By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Bende (Abia), Sept. 28, 2026
Stakeholders, under the aegis of Alliance for Good Governance, a non-partisan group, have advocated sustained efforts to preserve good governance and development gains in Abia beyond 2031.
The group, which is made up of Abia North Senatorial District stakeholders, made their intention known on Saturday during its meeting in Isieke-Amaba Ugwueke, in Bende Local Government Area.
They emphasised the need for a structured framework to entrench good governance model, prepare future leaders, engage youths and ensure citizens play an active role in shaping Abia’s political future.
In his speech, the Convener of the Alliance, Chief Ebueme Ezikpe, said that the group was not a political party project but a collective effort to protect and sustain what he described as Abia’s governance gains under the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration.
He said that Otti had set a governance model that had transformed the state, adding that the movement would expand across Abia and the nation.
The Convener said that the organisation was open to individuals with ideas capable of advancing good governance and establishing standards that prospective leaders would be expected to meet.
He said that the group’s objective was to sustain the good governance model enjoyed in the state beyond 2031, stressing that leadership remained critical to the success or failure of society.
“We are looking beyond 2031. We want to establish a standard where anyone aspiring to govern Abia must demonstrate a credible record of service, capacity and commitment to the people.
“Countries like Singapore and Japan developed strong leadership standards over time, preparing people from an early stage for responsible leadership.
“We must similarly build a system in Abia where prospective leaders are properly prepared, demonstrate what they have done and show what they can deliver, rather than relying on sweet stories or promises,” Ezikpe said.
In his address, the Founder of Cowry Asset Management, Chief Johnson Chukwu, said that the organisation was formed to promote good governance and ensure that capable people govern Abia and occupy leadership positions in the state.
Chukwu urged members to make deliberate efforts to sustain the current governance model of Gov. Otti, adding that Abia citizens have seen the light and would not go back to darkness.
He said that societies change through deliberate action, urging members to collectively ensure that those governing at all levels possess the capacity to serve the public interest.
“We should not allow this to slip back to the way it was before. We need to come together and create a conscience for society,” he said.
Chukwu said the alliance would sustain and improve the Otti model, formalising it into an enduring structure capable of promoting good governance beyond Abia.
“The Bible says that the world will not end until the Scripture is preached at every nook and cranny of the earth.
“Similarly, this drive for good governance is just beginning. We are sowing the good seed in Abia North.
“We will spread it to the entire Abia State, and I believe that we will spread it to the whole country”, he said.
The former Group Managing Director (GMD) of FBN Holdings Plc, Chief Urum Eke, described the organisation as a non-partisan gathering committed to sustaining Abia’s development gains under the present administration and beyond.
“It is not politically inclined because there is no single party and everybody gathered here is speaking just one language: good governance,” Eke said.
He urged members to prioritise Abia’s collective interest, saying the alliance seeks continuity and higher governance standards rather than personal benefits.
Eke said: “I plead with us, define your interest and let us be altruistic. Let our gathering here not be a gathering of persons who want to influence the governor to benefit us.
“If you are here because you want to personally benefit, please, I think you can give your name so we can delete that name.
“This is not for personal gain. It is, first and foremost, the interest of our state, so that we can continue to be respected.”
In his remark, an oil and gas professional, Mr Victor Okoronkwo advocated for greater youth participation in the movement, particularly by creating opportunities for youths in the diaspora to contribute their expertise.
Okoronkwo said youth involvement would broaden the movement’s reach, promote continuity and develop a new generation committed to accountability, development and good governance.
Also, the Chairman of Flo FM, Umuahia, Ray Nkemdirim, called for actionable strategies to strengthen commitment to good governance and translate the association’s agenda into concrete actions.
Nkemdirim urged members to make the next meeting centre on developing a workable model that would ensure collective participation in advancing the organisation’s objectives and the re-election into office for a second term.
He expressed his commitment to supporting the governor and promoting the ideals of good governance, urging members to remain united in advancing the association’s agenda.
In an interview with journalists, the former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development,
Dr Uche Ogah, said that political structures should be deployed to enlighten Abia citizens at the grassroots and promote continued good governance.
“Abians are enlightened people, so they know what is good; they know what is bad and the difference is clear,” Ogah said.
Ogah said that Abia had witnessed infrastructure development and economic growth across sectors under the Otti-led administration, expressing support for continuity in the state’s development trajectory.
“We want the same traction to continue for quality good governance. We want good governance in Abia State to continue until 2027,” he said.
