Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has immortalised the Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election in the state, Professor Nnenna Oti, by naming the newly constructed multimodal bus terminal in Umuahia after her.
The facility, inaugurated on Wednesday, was christened Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal in recognition of the role played by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, during the 2023 governorship election.
Governor Otti commended Prof. Oti for what he described as courage and integrity in resisting pressure to compromise the outcome of the election, saying her action became a defining moment in Abia’s democratic history.
“By standing firmly by the truth and refusing to treat her role as an invitation to a sudden banquet, she reminded us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply saying no, no to manipulation, injustice and conspiracy,” Otti said.
The governor said the honour was not only for Prof. Oti, but also for all Nigerians who resisted electoral manipulation and defended the people’s mandate during the 2023 elections.
He noted that she represented the courage of honest electoral officials, security personnel, party agents and citizens who stood firm against intimidation.
Speaking on the project, Otti said his administration was building a modern and integrated transportation system, stressing that Abia had moved beyond routine road construction.
“The days of playing small are over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins, nor think less of our ability, for we belong to the lineage of dreamers, thinkers and builders,” he said.
The governor explained that the terminal was designed to accommodate more than 340 buses at once and was built in line with modern safety, accessibility and environmental standards.
He added that the facility had been integrated with recently completed road junctions, bus shelters and electric bus operations across the state.
According to him, about 20 electric buses are already operating on intra-city and inter-city routes, while more buses are expected in the coming weeks.
“Mandate Of The People Must Stand” — Otti Names New Umuahia Bus Terminal After 2023 Returning Officer Nnenna Oti Over Election Integrity pic.twitter.com/84ZLulKXuk
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Otti further disclosed that the terminal has independent power and water systems to ensure uninterrupted services.
He warned against vandalism, indiscriminate waste disposal and theft around the facility, while urging residents to support government initiatives through prompt payment of taxes.
Responding, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she merely acted according to her conscience during the 2023 election.
“I simply did what I have done all my life, to do the right thing. The mandate of the people must stand,” she said.
She thanked the governor for the honour and pledged to continue standing for justice and fairness, regardless of whose interest may be affected.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, described the project as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform agenda, aimed at restoring order, safety and efficiency in urban transportation.
The event also featured a minute’s silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sonny Onwuma, whom the governor described as a dedicated public servant whose contributions to the transport sector would remain memorable.
The inauguration was attended by top government officials, lawmakers and members of the public.
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