"My Response to Criticism is More Work": Governor Alex Otti Defends Administration and Refuses to "Share State Resources"

Abia Governor Alex Otti addresses critics in Isuikwuato, vowing to prioritize infrastructure over "sharing resources." Read about the 2027 endorsements from Uche Ogah.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 16, 2026, 4:24 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Independent Newspaper Nigeria

Deflecting Opposition Through Performance

Amidst a tightening political climate in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has issued a firm rebuttal to his critics, stating that his administration will answer political attacks through "more work" rather than verbal exchanges. During a grand civic reception held at Annunco Secondary School in Isuikwuato, Otti argued that the surge in opposition is a direct result of his administration's departure from the "customary" practice of sharing state resources among a select few. He emphasized that for the first time since 1999, the people of Abia have reclaimed ownership of their government, a shift that has unsettled those accustomed to the old political order.

Celebrating Legal Excellence in the Cabinet

The event was organized by the Isuikwuato Local Government Council to honor Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN, the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, following his recent elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Governor Otti praised Uwanna as a "fantastic son" of Isuikwuato and a "strong pillar" of the current administration. He noted that the legal body's decision to confer the SAN title on Uwanna served as an independent validation of his initial choice to appoint him to the cabinet. Otti highlighted Uwanna’s tireless work ethic, noting that the Attorney-General often goes beyond his legal brief to support various administrative initiatives.

Cross-Party Endorsements and 2027 Ambitions

A significant highlight of the reception was the vocal support from Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, the former Minister of State for Solid Minerals and a prominent industrialist. Despite belonging to a different political camp, Ogah lauded Otti’s "visible and impactful achievements," specifically pointing to the administration's infrastructure projects. In a move that signals a potential realignment of forces in the state, Ogah pledged his support for Governor Otti’s 2027 governorship ambition, as well as President Bola Tinubu’s re-election. This cross-party validation was welcomed by Otti, who remarked that "honest people" should be able to acknowledge physical progress regardless of their political affiliation.