'I gained't enable political persecution in Abia' – Otti

Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has declared that the period of stifling opposition and political profiteering within the state is gone.

The governor said this through the flag-off of his re-election marketing campaign on the Umuahia Township Stadium, Umuahia, the capital of Abia on Sunday.

Otti declared that after a number of years of artificial hardship and punishment inflicted on the folks of Abia, and his repeated makes an attempt to rescue the state in 2015 and 2019, the siege on Abia was ultimately damaged in 2023.

He stated, “We ended the era of political profiteers. We defied intimidation to liberate Abia and break Abia from the era of siege. Never shall we go back to the era of irresponsibility. Nothing will make us go back to Egypt.”

Recalling the ordeals endured by Abians of their quest to liberate the state from the shackles of unhealthy management, significantly the experiences of these whose properties had been demolished on account of their political affiliations, Governor Otti declared: “Never again will anyone’s fence be pulled down on account of political choices. I declare Abia free.

“The solely battle price combating is the one geared in direction of leaving Abia higher than I met it, and I enjoin you to hitch me as we proceed to battle that battle. I enchantment to you to hitch me in combating that battle within the subsequent 4 years with a purpose to consolidate our information of efficiency.

“We have invested billions of naira in revitalising tertiary education through investments in Abia State University, Uturu, and Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. We have also invested heavily in reviving ailing industries in Aba and supported the growth of SMEs across the state. Agriculture has not been left out, as we have made significant investments to ensure food sufficiency in the state.

“Above all, I’ve restored the dignity of Abians. Abians at the moment are proud to take part in improvement conversations in circles the place such discussions happen. We, subsequently, urge you to vote for the Labour Party all the way in which in all elective positions within the coming basic elections.”

He accordingly directed all state functionaries to make public facilities available to any political party or candidate seeking to use them for campaign activities, provided the requisite fees are paid and the applicable regulations are duly observed.