Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has declared that the state will never return to what he described as its "ignominious past," pledging to sustain his administration's development agenda through equitable distribution of projects and improved public services across all communities.
The governor made the declaration at a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area at Peace Secondary School, Amuda, Isuochi, where community leaders and political stakeholders also endorsed him for a second term in office in 2027.
Otti said his administration remained committed to ensuring that no part of the state was left behind in its development plans, stressing that governance under his watch would continue to focus on improving the welfare of the people.
He announced that the long-awaited Mmam Bridge would be constructed, noting that the project had already been included in the 2026 budget alongside other key infrastructure projects earmarked for the area.
According to the governor, investments in education, healthcare, roads and other social services would remain central to his administration's development agenda.
"This is your government. We will continue to invest in your future through education, infrastructure and other people-oriented projects," Otti told the gathering.
The governor also disclosed that Umunneochi would soon benefit from the state's Electric Bus Green Shuttle scheme following the procurement of 20 additional electric buses.
He explained that the new buses would operate routes linking Umuahia with Umunneochi as well as Umuahia, Okigwe, Uturu and Abia State University (ABSU), with the aim of improving transportation for residents and students.
On security, Otti praised residents for supporting government efforts to combat crime and urged communities to continue working with security agencies to keep the state safe.
He warned that criminal elements would have no hiding place in Abia.
"Anyone with criminal intentions should either repent or leave because we will smoke criminals out. Together, we shall continue to keep Abia safe for everyone," he said.
Several speakers at the event commended the governor's performance and urged him to seek re-election in 2027.
Among them were Labour Party's Abia North senatorial candidate, Chief David Onuoha; the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Amobi Ogah; the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Mathias Umeh; and former Minister of Education and Health, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike.
They credited the administration with improving healthcare delivery, road infrastructure, education and restoring public confidence in government.
Other dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Lands, Chaka Chukwumerije; the Governor's Special Adviser on Health, Dr Ngozi Azode; the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi; Mr Uche Okoroafor; and the leader of the northern community in Umuchieze, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, also praised the governor's interventions in the area.
They highlighted improvements in security, the approval for a new General Hospital, the rehabilitation of 19 Primary Healthcare Centres, 12 of which are already providing services, as well as investments in road and educational infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the northern community, Abdullahi said Umunneochi had become more peaceful as a result of the government's decisive action against insecurity, describing Otti as a leader who fulfilled his promises with visible projects.
The event also witnessed the formal defection of new members into the Labour Party, led by the 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr Jasper Uche.
Governor Otti and the Abia State Chairman of the Labour Party formally received the defectors and presented them with the party's flag.
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