“If You Steal, I Will Disgrace You, I Will Shame You” – Gov Otti Warns LGA Officials

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has signaled  his intentions to draft the outgone interim  Majors of the 17 local Councils into other areas  of assistance to the people of the State

This is just as he warned the newly elected Local Government Officials to either buckle up or ship out.

The Source reports that the outgone Mayors/Transition Council Chairmen were barred by extant laws from participating in the November 2,2024 Council polls in the state contrary to wide spread expectations that they will transmute into elected officials.

The development, as it were, elicited varying reactions with not a few insinuating official conspiracy in scheming the Mayors out of the Local Government race.

However, in an exclusive interview with this Magazine, one of the acclaimed high fliers among the transition officials, Chief Uche Wogu,  blamed the situation on an existing 2014 Local Council Laws ,which caught  everyone ,including Governor Otti, off guard .

According to him, the law which was first enacted in 2002, abrogated in 2007 ,and re-enacted in 2014 bars sitting transition council officials from succeeding themselves.

Chief Wogu, who was the Mayor of Aba South Metropolitan Council, insisted that given the chance, the Governor would have loved to see the Mayors continue in office without any protocol.

Governor Otti, who spoke on Saturday November 9, 2024 at a sent forth and welcome dinner  organized in honour of  the outgone and new Mayors ,appreciated the high sense of dedication, loyalty, and sincerity of purpose exhibited by the outgone Mayors during their short stay in office.

He informed that his administration has concluded plans to avail the State and its people the services of the past Council officials in other capacities.

He also expressed deep gratitude to the past  Mayors, most of whom are accomplished professionals ,business tycoons and entrepreneurs before their appointments , for being humble enough to offer their services at the grassroots level.

“We have discovered these ones (the out gone Mayors) and we are going to engage them fully in the service of the state ,in other capacities.

“In the eleven months and a few days that they spent ,you could see the wonders that they performed in the Local Governments Areas.

“They performed so excellently that I can stand here and tell you that I am immensely very proud of all of them and it is that pride that informed this gathering in the first place.

“I just want to use this opportunity to say thank you for offering your services to the good people of Abia State. Thank you also for establishing a commendable service template and trajectory worthy of emulation by your successors.

“You have proven your self within just eleven months, and by so doing, challenged everybody, including the new Mayors/Council Chairmen who are here so that they will have something to replicate”

Governor Otti, stated that his adminstration, at inception, was intentional in hunting the Mayors ,as well as other Government officials ,with proven track record and reputation top on the list of prerequisite qualifications.

He cautioned the newly elected Council officials against engaging in acts which are at variance with the policy thrust of the State Government.

He insisted that there is no room for the mismanagement and misappropriation of the commonwealth by officials at any level of governance in the state .

He warned that any Council Official found to be self- serving ,will not be spared ,noting that his adminstration has zero tolerance for corrupt tendencies.

The Governor emphasized the need for the new Mayors to prioritize the welfare  of the people in their approach to governance .

“In our administration, leadership is about stewardship. We have made it clear that this Government has zero tolerance for corruption ,so if you were thinking that the reason you offered yourself is to steal money ,resign now, and avoid being disgraced.

“I will not spare any efforts in disgracing anybody who steals. I may be lenient and ask you to leave.

“But most times, I am not all that lenient .I can assure you that this administration would not tolerate stealing and the leader (Governor) will not steal ” Governor stated .

According to him, machineries have been activated for effective monitoring and evaluation of the  performance of the new Council officials.

He also assured that efforts will be made by the State Government to provide all the necessary support needed by the council officials to excel in office .

He encouraged them to build on the very good foundation already laid by the immediate past Mayors.

Chief Wogu, who was one of the people that spoke on behalf of the immediate past Mayors appreciated the Governor for offering them the opportunity to serve the people.

He assured that they will still make themselves available for any future service to the people of Abia state.