Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has pledged continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic policies, stressing that their friendship predates political affiliations and party lines.
Speaking during a meeting on Sunday with former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, alongside Senator Chris Adighije, Otti said the President’s tough economic decisions—particularly the removal of fuel subsidy—are critical to Nigeria’s long-term stability.
“When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions,” Governor Otti said. “We agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But on the economy, what Mr. President is doing has always been my position.”
Describing the fuel subsidy regime as a long-standing scam, Otti noted that its removal was necessary, even if initially painful. He referred to his past columns in ThisDay Newspaper during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he had advocated for the abolition of fuel subsidies.
“We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time. When you have years of irresponsible behavior, the correction will be tough, difficult, and painful,” he said. “It is the correction we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.”
On political speculation around the 2027 elections, Otti dismissed early campaigning as premature and presumptuous. “Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today,” he said. “Nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except they want to play God.”
Otti also praised Senator Orji Kalu’s past contributions to Abia’s development, particularly in road construction, and revealed that his late mother was an admirer of Kalu’s works in Aba. He emphasized that his administration is focused on rebuilding the state without dwelling on past failures.
“I’m not here to fight anybody. We have hit the reset button. We are using the time we have to deliver results,” he stated.
The Governor shared that a resident of Aba recently donated ₦200 million to the government in appreciation of the infrastructural transformation ongoing in the commercial city. He noted that business activity has improved so significantly that “there is no sleep in Aba now,” a sign of a rejuvenated economy.
He further announced plans to install street lighting along the Umuahia–Ohafia axis to extend commercial activity beyond daylight hours.
In his remarks, Senator Kalu apologized for missing Otti’s second anniversary celebration, explaining he had attended a similar engagement in Lagos with President Tinubu. He commended Otti’s performance, particularly on road rehabilitation.
“You’re my friend for life, my brother for life. You have done well for our State,” Kalu said, encouraging Otti to maintain strong ties with the President without switching political parties.
Senator Chris Adighije also expressed satisfaction with Otti’s leadership and reiterated his support, stating, “It’s not about partisan politics, but about the progress of Abia State.”
Both visiting senators expressed confidence in Otti’s leadership, lauding his non-partisan approach to governance and his efforts to uplift Abia’s economy.
