In pursuit of his vision of a new Abia, governor Alex Chioma Otti has re-echoed his administrations’ commitment to work for the welfare of all Abians. This was the central theme of the second edition of the monthly media parley with the governor which held at government House Umuahia on Sunday night.
Fielding questions from journalist drawn from across all media organisations in the South East and beyond, governor Alex Chioma Otti stressed that his government will not pander to blackmail but was ready to engage genuine criticism for the upliftment of the generality of Abians and to move from the current rot bedevilling all sectors in the state.
Governor Otti further expressed the single minded resolve of his administration to root out insecurity from the state deploying all measures including the installation of cutting edge electronic surveillance systems.
The move by the state government became necessary following the discovery of high level insecurity around the Umuchieze-lokpanta cattle market.
According to the governor, the cattle market at Umuchieze and the immediate arrear around it became a hubb for kidnapping, collection of ransome, disposal of dead victims of crime, prostitution, sales, consumption of narcotics and many vice’s bringing the once thriving market into disrepute.
Following the discovery, the governor ordered the demolition of brothels, shanties within and around the market, directing that it be fenced in and converted to a daily market which will eventually accommodate other sections for traders willing to expand its capacity in line with the vision of the governor.
Responding to questions on road rehabilitation and reconstruction the governor highlighted the application of direct labour through the state ministry of works in rehabilitating roads in Umuahia stating that cut up portions require at least 48 to 72 hours dry weather allowing the application of asphalt to take hold on the road deck.
On the poor state of access roads into Isuikwuato, the governor revealed that three designs have been received from contractors willing to undertake reconstruction work and the government will soon make a selection on the firm to do the job after going through due process.
The state government is soliciting the attention of the Federal Government to focus on the Ohafia-Ihechiowa-Ututu-
Governor Otti said his immediate target in tackling insecurity and undertaking road rehabilitation was to ensure that Abians enjoy a peaceful yuletide stretching from Christmas into the new year.
Responding to questions on the underpayment of some government workers, the state helmsman directed affected workers to report such occurrence to the appropriate quarters for immediate action noting that murmuring behind the scene will not resolve the situation.
Governor Otti reiterated that as an economist he understands the value of the high velocity of money and that money in the hands of Abians will work to grow the states’ economy. As a money manager, Gov. Otti assured Abians that the state funds are in safe hands stressing that his administration will only borrow for regenerative investment when the time comes.
His administrations’ focus is on managing the huge dept incurred under previous administrations currently put at 192 billion naira.
On pensions, the governor revealed that his government has increased funds for the payment of pensioners from 265 to 365 million naira monthly after the conclusion of verification exercise for pensioners.
When questioned on local government leadership, the governor restated that acting chairmen are in office and running the administration of the seventeen local government councils of the state.
He reminded his audience that the law allows for the appointment of transition chairmen before local government elections are conducted in the state and his government will soon make Public the transition chairmen.
Governor Otti described detractors on social media as a few from the past whose days in the limelight are over calling on Abians to relax and keep faith because the government is working hard for their good in tandem with his vision to fashion out a new process in public administration and good governance which will change the social, political and economic fortunes of the state.
The media parley which is in its second edition afforded the governor the opportunity to interphase with Abians through the press and to put to rest speculations on a number of issues, restating that his governments’ focus is on the people.
He dismissed the rantings of those he described as a tiny minority of the old order seeking to gain relevance in government by constituting a nuisance.
The next monthly media interaction will hold come November in what has become a novel approach in keeping Abians and the general public abreast of government activities.
The October edition of the monthly media chat captioned ‘Governor Alex Otti speaks to Abians’ had in attendance some senior government officials including the Honourable commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu, chief press secretary to the governor and special Adviser to the governor on media and publicity.
By – Emeka Chigbu