By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Ugwueke (Abia)
The Alliance for Good Governance, a non-partisan group, has urged residents across Abia state to support Gov. Alex Otti’s second-term bid and sustain his administration’s governance template beyond 2031.
Prof. Mkpa Mkpa, spokesperson of the group, made the call while presenting a communique after the alliance’s second meeting, at Ugwueke, Bende Local Government Area.
He said that the group comprising of stakeholders from Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi agreed that Abia had never experienced such good governance, declaring that Otti’s administration represented the desired template for development.
“We agreed, among other things, that voter education, particularly amongst the illiterate ones, should be carried on at the grassroots level,” Mkpa said.
He urged youths not to succumb to pressure or inducement, stressing that they should obtain their permanent voter cards, participate actively and vote according to their conscience and convictions freely.
“We do not sell our votes for any amount,” Mkpa said, adding that voters should come out on election day and cast their ballots despite prevailing weather conditions across Abia.
The spokesperson said members would defend every vote cast and ensure correct results were announced, while urging Abians not to allow the opportunity presented by Otti’s administration to slip away.
Mkpa described members of the group as nonpartisan elders of Abia North, while praising Dr Uche Ogah, the former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, for speaking out and showing courage of conviction publicly during proceedings.
“We are nonpartisan. We are the elders of Abia North and we are the lone voice crying in the wilderness,” Mkpa said.
He also said that the alliance had resolved to continue praying for Otti and urged him to remain focused, break new grounds and consolidate achievements during the remaining months of his tenure and beyond.
“We encourage him that in the next few months of this administration and into the next four years that he should continue to break new grounds,” he said.
Mkpa said that the Otti-led administration had restored confidence among Abia citizens.
He recalled that people previously felt threatened and intimidated about identifying as Abians, but could now express pride openly across the state and beyond.
