The governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared strong support for President Tinubu stating that he (the president) always makes decisions that maybe tough but beneficial to the development of the country. He cited tge removal of fuel subsidy as one of such decisions.

‎‎Otti made this statement when he received his predecessor and the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu and Sen. Chris Adighije, in his home in Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday.

‎Otti said, “When you talk about supporting President Tinubu, the President and I are very good friends and our friendship predates party politics and current positions; we agree on so many issues, and as it is natural, we know where we disagree. But, when you talk about the economy, what Mr. The president doing has always been my position for a long time.”

On fuel subsidy removal, Otti noted that he strongly agrees with the president that it was a necessary decision. He further stated that the removal was very necessary to correct the ill mannered behaviour of Nigerians for a long time.

“I urge people to go back and read my columns at the back of Thisday Newspaper, some years back, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, where I said that it was time to remove fuel subsidy when off-takers were rejecting crude shipped to them, saying that they have no need for it.

‎“So, it requires somebody with courage to remove that subsidy, and I am in support of it. We have behaved in an irresponsible manner for a very long time. And, when you have years of irresponsible behaviour, the correction would be tough, difficult, and painful. It is the correction that we are going through now; if we don’t lose faith, we will eventually get it right.

‎“So, talking about supporting the President, it’s a no-brainer; I will continue to support him because it is the same administration,” he said.

Furthermore, Otti subtly slammed people who are concerned about the 2027 election and Tinubu’s re-election, stating that they are unnecessarily stressing over a time they are not sure they would live up to.

‎‎“People in 2025 are talking of 2027 you can’t even talk about 2027 because there is no guarantee that you would go beyond 2025. Who are you to begin to talk about 2027.

‎“Today is certain; tomorrow is a promise. Next, tomorrow is gambling. Let us talk about today; when tomorrow comes, and we are lucky to be part of it, we can hold the discussion. Nobody is competent to talk about tomorrow except that he or she wants to play God,” he added.

Furthermore, Otti reiterated how much Aba has developed since he resumed office, stating that the citizens therein do not sleep again. He disclosed his plan to develop Aba to be like Abuja and Lagos where no one sleeps.

“So, we want the people there to be awake, we don’t want the economy to go to sleep by 6 pm. We want the economy to operate like Lagos and Abuja, where people hardly sleep. And, whenever they want to go to bed, they hand over to somebody else,” he said.

Otti also lauded Orji Uzor Kalu for the work he did in the state during his regime stating that his (Otti) late mother was a supporter of Uzor Kalu before she passed.

‎Meanwhile, in his remark, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu described Otti as his friend whom he cannot play politics with.

He further emphasized that he had to come all the way from Igbere to the Governor’s residence on a smooth road, lauding the governor for all the great works he has done since he resumed office especially on roads that he has fixed so far and shortened travel durations.

He said; ‎‎“You’re my friend for life; you are my brother for life. Whether you are running for an election or not running for election, brotherhood is brotherhood…You have done well for our state. Thank you very much.

‎“I want to make it clear to you: you have done well, and the State will continue to grow under your leadership.”

Alex Otti, in his statement, also revealed that he has given directives to the commissioner for works to light up the road from Ohafia to Umuahia to develop the economy and make life easier for Abians.

Meanwhile, Kalu commended the commissioner for the great work he has done so far discharging his duties diligently, further expressing confidence in the people of Abia state to make the right choice and choose a good leader for the next term considering what Otti has done so far.

Earlier, a video seen by NEWSMAX on the internet showed moment Governor Otti was going around in some part of Abia state to inspect completed and ongoing projects as he was seen shaking hands and hugging citizens who came out to greet him.

The video sparked reactions as many declared support for the governor for a second tenure stating that he seemed to be compassionate and has evidently done well since he resumed office.

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