The first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshall Frank Ajobena (rtd) has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope and purposeful governance in Abia State.
The former military administrator who visited the governor, said that under the Otti administration, Abia State has once again become a reference point for quality leadership in Nigeria.
Ajobena described his visit to the state as a “wonderful hoecoming,” noting that it was his first time in Abia State in over 14 years.
He said the visit gave him the opportunity to personally verify the positive reports he had been hearing about the state under Gov. Otti.
Drawing from a biblical analogy, Ajobena said he came like the queen of Sheba to see for himself the works he had heard about, adding that as the founding military administrator of the state, he had always felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Abia State.
He said that when he assumed duty in August 1991, the enthusiasm of the people was infectious, recalling the eagerness to make Abia great, but regreting that the enthusiasm waned due to bad leadership.
This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by Gov. Otti’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.
He particularly praised the Aba Power Project, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” due to the ingenuity of its people, which, according to him, only required the right leadership to thrive.
While commending Gov. Otti for his “selfless service,” Ajobena urged him not to be discouraged by critics and cynics, noting that detractors are inevitable in leadership.
“A lot has changed. Honestly, I could not recognise some places. I am very proud of what I see.” Ajobena stated.
The former military administrator called on stakeholders and critics to support Gov. Otti who is doing very well, insisting that continuity is necessary for sustained development.
“You don’t change a winning team, he (Gov. Otti) is doing very well. Everyone should support him to continue and complete what he has started”, Ajobena said.
Welcoming his guest, Gov. Otti expressed delight over the visit, thanking the state’s first military administrator for his service and sacrifice to the state.
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Gov. Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.
The governor who acknowledged the challenges Ajobena faced in governing the state at its teething stage, praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992 in the state, describing him as a true founding father.
The governor noted that his own administration is focused on building upon that legacy.
The governor used the opportunity to explain that the decision to operate temporarily from the current location was due to the poor condition of the Government House complex in Umuahia.
Gov. Otti explained that both the hovernor’s office and official residence had failed integrity tests and were completely pulled down for reconstruction.
He emphasised that his administration believes that governance is about building on the foundations laid by examplary predecessors, stressing that the ultimate measure of success is the happiness and well-being of the people.
