In a landmark ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti inaugurated the newly elected Mayors and their Deputies for Abia State’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs). Addressing the newly sworn-in officials, Governor Otti emphasized the need to address longstanding challenges within their communities, irrespective of political affiliation. “Though you come from diverse political backgrounds, our common agenda remains clear: putting Abia first,” he declared.
Governor Otti identified several critical areas requiring urgent attention, including access to clean water, quality basic education, electricity, improved transportation, and secure, well-maintained road networks. He stressed the importance of tackling these issues in the short and medium terms to enhance residents’ quality of life. “We must bring permanent solutions to the challenges that have long held our communities back,” he asserted.
As the Mayors and their teams assume their roles, Governor Otti urged them to take full responsibility for their constituencies’ progress. He warned that poor performance would not be tolerated, as there should be no excuses in their commitment to uplifting the people. “We are here to solve problems, uplift lives, and use our positions in government to create opportunities for all,” he stated.
Emphasizing a spirit of collaboration, Governor Otti encouraged the newly appointed leaders to engage various stakeholders within their LGAs, including those who ran against them in the recent elections. “Reach out to your peers who did not win,” he advised. “Show them that you are open to their developmental ideas, as long as they contribute positively to Abia’s growth.”
Governor Otti also commended the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) for conducting a transparent election and expressed appreciation to other candidates for displaying sportsmanship throughout the process.
In response, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Mayor of Isuikwuato LGA, speaking on behalf of his fellow Mayors, described their election as an honor and affirmed their commitment to following Governor Otti’s progressive template for development across the state.
The Mayors and Deputies officially taking office include:
- Aba North – Timothy Iheke (Mayor), Christian Chijioke (Deputy)
- Aba South – Anyanwu Obilor (Mayor), Azubuike Nwankwo (Deputy)
- Arochukwu – Okereke Ezearo (Mayor), Ngozi Nwafor (Deputy)
- Bende – Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Mayor), Ngozi Anya (Deputy)
- Ikwuano – Dr. Anthony Nwaubani (Mayor), Awuwa Lucky Chibuikem (Deputy)
- Isialangwa North – Innocent Uruakpa (Mayor), Ahamdi Ahamba (Deputy)
- Isialangwa South – Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Chairman), Vivian Obilor (Deputy)
- Isukwuato – Chinedu Ekeke (Mayor), Ifeanyi Njoku (Deputy)
- Obingwa – Maxwell Nwadike (Mayor), Destiny Isiguzo (Deputy)
- Ohafia – Eleanya Ojuu Kalu (Mayor), Eme Iro (Deputy)
- Osisioma – Chidi Christian Agu (Mayor), Victor Ugochukwu Nwogu (Deputy)
- Ugwunagbo – Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Mayor), Ugochukwu Ukaegbu (Deputy)
- Ukwa East – Chibunna Akara (Mayor), Thelma Ekeke (Deputy)
- Ukwa West – Dike Nwankwo (Mayor), Joel Udo Nwankwo (Deputy)
- Umuahia North – Smart Ihuoma (Mayor), Chinwe Odoemelam (Deputy)
- Umuahia South – Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Mayor), Enyinnaya Nwosu (Deputy)
- Umunneochi – Sunday Afuruike (Mayor), Igbo Chukwunenye Innocent (Deputy)
With a mandate to serve their communities, the new Mayors and Deputies have pledged to prioritize development and follow Governor Otti’s vision for a prosperous Abia State.