However, it seems like Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, are altering the course of events in their respective states.
A deficiency of visionary, people-oriented, and goal-oriented leadership has plagued several states in the nation, particularly the South East geopolitical zone.
Lack of focused leaders and leadership has been linked throughout time to a number of issues, including the absence of growth, leadership failure, decline in public faith in leadership, retrogression, and even the current state of insecurity raging through the zone.
However, it seems like Abia State Governor Alex Otti and his counterpart, Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, are altering the course of events in their respective states.
Based on their current activity, it appears that both CEOs arrived in their positions ready for work.
A cold-blooded examination of their scorecards over the previous 12 months reveals observable advancements in each state that are publicly acknowledged, even by their opponents.
Abia:
Since Otti took over the mantle of leadership in May 2023, he has made remarkable imprints in critical sectors of the economy.
Abia which hitherto crawled behind others in many frontiers particularly infrastructure, appears to be taking the lead in vital areas.
There is notable road infrastructural development across the state especially in Aba and Umuahia metropolis where many of the roads had nearly collapsed and remained in deplorable condition for decades.
The Labour Party Governor, had during his campaigns, promised to change the old order and do things differently if given the opportunity, a promise he appears poised to deliver.
For the first time since the history of Abia State, Otti’s administration, arguably appears to be the only one that has enjoyed the covert and overt support of even the opposition.
His approach to governance is gradually restoring public confidence as well as hope in political office holders.
The decision to expand Ossah road (now Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard) – the major gateway to Umuahia the state capital – into a six-lane road, towers among the landmark achievements of Gov. Otti endearing him to many hearts.
The 6.5 kilometer road project which began by the last quarter of 2023 amidst resistance and public outcry by owners of property on the right of way, has in less than one year been ‘done and dusted’ with full compensations paid to the property owners even before the demolition commenced.
It was arguably the first time any Government would sincerely and transparently pay compensation in the state.
Similarly, his courage to award the strategic but long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road Aba to Julius Beger, further made him the hero of many residents including the opposition.
Elder statesman and former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, despite his exalted position as the Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), jettisoned partisanship and declared that Otti had secured his second tenure by that singular gesture. Although some of his party chieftains are yet to forgive him over such a sincere outburst, the incontrovertible truth remains that he spoke the mind of many folks.
The immediate past administration after demolishing a lot of property including those far from the road without any compensation abandoned the road that leads to many industrial hubs in the Enyimba City.
This led to the exodus of many businesses, residents and schools around the area as it became inaccessible. But rehabilitation of the road is advancing courtesy of Otti’s administration.
Apart from many other internal and strategic roads already renovated and inaugurated in Aba and Umuahia by the Otti-led administration, the Governor has also extended his road rehabilitation drive to other key towns in the state.
Recently, Otti broke a jinx when he awarded a contract for the total rehabilitation of Abam-Ndi Oji- Arochukwu road which is the shortest route to Arochukwu from the state capital.
This critical road which crisscrosses the various agrarian Abam communities down to Arochukwu has been abandoned for decades by previous administrations, thus forcing commuters to access Arochukwu through Akwa Ibom as the Ohafia route to the ancient kingdom has since collapsed.
Similarly, he awarded a contract for the rehabilitation of Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Akara -Abiriba -Ohafia 40-killometer road to three different construction firms for early delivery, and work is progressing on the road.
Otti’s zero -pothole policy is paying off as motorists now enjoy less stressful rides unlike before when potholes were rather the trademark that reminded interstate commuters that they had crossed into Abia territory.
The pressure by the Otti-led administration on the Federal Government to speed up the long-abandoned Aba -Port Harcourt Expressway which had literally become impassable before he came on board, is beginnig to yield fruits as one lane of the dual carriageway, is at least passable now.
Apart from roads, Gov. Otti has consciously embarked on building infrastructure, renovation and completion of some abandoned public buildings.
One of such signature building projects is the completion of the Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC) building, which was initiated by the administration of Sen. Theodore Orji but abandoned by his successor.
But in 12 months, Gov. Otti has completed the edifice which towers as the most aesthetic and tallest building in Umuahia with functional lift.
Another area Otti’s administration has posted a commendable record is the health sector which had prior to his coming on board, suffered gross neglect.