*J U Ogbonna, a Professor of Geographic Information Systems & Spatial Modeling, is DVC Academics, Abia State University, Uturu.
By Prof J. U. Ogbonna
Our attention has been drawn to the unfortunate and deeply irresponsible remarks made by Mr. Julius Abure, former Chairman of the Labour Party in which he described the Executive Governor of Abia State in demeaning and disparaging terms, referring to him as “a dwarf both in appearance and in knowledge.”
This reckless outburst is not only beneath the dignity of someone who holds a leadership position of a former national political party, but it also betrays a profound lack of decorum, maturity, and the basic respect expected in public discourse. Personal attacks and petty insults have never moved our democracy forward. On the contrary, they reflect a desperation that cannot be masked by crude language.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, is a man whose leadership, vision, and reforms have earned him the respect of not just the people of Abia, but well-meaning Nigerians across the country. Since assuming office, Governor Otti has demonstrated uncommon commitment to accountability, infrastructural renewal, healthcare transformation, and economic revival in Abia State. These are measurable achievements — not the stuff of empty rhetoric.
Resorting to insults does not elevate Mr. Abure’s standing, nor does it distract from the fact that leadership is ultimately judged by results, not noise. If Mr.
Abure finds it difficult to engage in issues-based dialogue, he should at least
refrain from exposing himself and his party to ridicule through such juvenile commentary.
Dr. Alex Otti is not a man in need of validation through personal insults or partisan tantrums. His performance as the Executive Governor of Abia State since May 2023 has spoken volumes and earned him nationwide respect, transcending party lines and personal biases.
Under Governor Otti’s leadership, Abia State has witnessed a wave of progressive transformation:
- Infrastructure Renewal: The reconstruction of major roads such as Ossah Road, Port Harcourt Road, and the historic overhaul of Aba’s inner roads have revived economic activity and restored dignity to the people of Abia.
His government has prioritized road projects that had been abandoned for over a decade, with quality execution and speed.
- Civil Service Reforms: For the first time in years, civil servants and pensioners in Abia State are being paid promptly and transparently. The backlog of unpaid salaries and pensions left by previous administrations is being cleared systematically.
- Healthcare Revamp: Governor Otti’s administration has embarked on the renovation and equipping of general hospitals across the state. For instance, the Aba General Hospital, long neglected, is undergoing a complete transformation to meet modern healthcare standards.
- Education and Youth Empowerment: The Governor has committed significant resources to the rehabilitation of public schools, teacher training, and educational infrastructure, alongside introducing digital skill acquisition programs for youths through the Abia Innovation Industrial
Park initiative.
- Transparency and Fiscal Discipline: Abia under Governor Otti has become a model of fiscal responsibility. The government’s monthly financial reports are publicly disclosed — a rarity in Nigerian governance — and contracts are awarded with due process and integrity.
It is ironic and regrettable that Mr. Abure, who should be championing integrity and performance-based politics, has resorted to name-calling and baseless attacks. If he finds it uncomfortable that Governor Otti has succeeded where others have failed, he should introspect, not lash out.
True leadership is about impact, not noise. It is about building roads, paying workers, cleaning up corruption, restoring hope, and inspiring a better future for the people, all of which Governor Otti is doing with distinction.
Governor Otti may not waste time replying to insults, but the people of Abia — and indeed all Nigerians who value progress — will not remain silent while a man of vision, capacity, and integrity is maligned for political convenience.
This is what warrants this REJOINDER
Abia has moved beyond petty politics. We are building, not bickering. And no amount of mudslinging will derail the momentum.
*Prof. Ogbonna, an Abia son from Nvosi
