Otti urges Abia residents to reject election-season promises by politicians

Alex Otti of Abia has urged voters to resist financial and material inducements from politicians, warning that such offers could undermine the state’s future in the 2027 general elections. Otti gave the warning on Sunday at the 2nd Session of the 7th Synod of the Anglican Communion, Diocese of Aba Ngwa North, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi-Umuocham, Aba. The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Caleb Ajagba, charged citizens to prioritise long-term development over immediate material benefits offered by politicians.

He alleged that politicians responsible for the state’s challenges over 24 years were returning to seek voters’ support. Otti warned against allowing such politicians to derail the progress his administration was pursuing. “The people that created a problem that God now had to answer your prayer by sending someone after His own heart, are all over again.

“But the Bible says surely they shall proceed no further. Please, let us be careful.When God opens a door, may we not close it. “Don’t use the ₦5,000, the ₦10,000, the wrapper or the rice they will give you and close the destiny of Abians for the next four years, because even prayer and fasting will not open it.

“May we not lose what God has given to us on the platter,” he said. The governor also urged Christians to remain vigilant, warning that some politicians who previously neglected the Church were seeking its attention. “Like we have been told the season is here again and politicians are everywhere and as the Bible says we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy.

“These are devices, because many of them who have not been coming to church have started coming to church. “Many of them who have not been accepting or taking your calls have suddenly started calling you. If you call them and you miss their call, they call you back.

Otti said the first three years of his administration had focused largely on laying a foundation for development, adding that the next four years, beginning in 2027, would prioritise consolidation. “Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins. “What will now be happening is consolidation and beauty will emerge.