— Says politicians who ruined state over 24 years are back
By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has warned voters against trading the state’s future for paltry financial inducements ahead of the 2027 general elections, cautioning that accepting as little as ₦5,000, ₦10,000, rice or wrappers from politicians could mortgage the state’s destiny for another four years.
Otti, who spoke on Sunday through his Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, at the Second Session of the Seventh Synod of the Anglican Communion, Aba Ngwa North Diocese, alleged that politicians responsible for Abia’s 24 years of underdevelopment were returning to seek the people’s support.
He urged voters to scrutinise the records and intentions of politicians rather than allow temporary material benefits to influence their choices at the polls.
The synod, held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Abayi, Umuocham, Aba, had the theme, “Don’t Just Absorb It; Think It Through,” drawn from Acts 17:11-12.
Warning that the consequences of selling votes could outlast the immediate benefits, Otti said, “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. Even prayer and fasting will not open it.”
He added, “May we not lose what God has given to us on a platter of gold.”
The governor also cautioned Christians against being swayed by politicians who, according to him, had suddenly become attentive to the church and its members as the election season approached.
“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. Those are devices,” he said.
Otti urged the electorate to examine such political overtures critically and make informed decisions about the state’s future.
‘Next four years for consolidation’
The governor said his administration had spent its first three years laying the foundation for Abia’s development, expressing confidence that the next four years, beginning in 2027, would focus on consolidating the gains recorded so far.
“Those who build houses will understand that foundation-laying is the most crucial, and the foundation has been laid after 24 years of ruins,” he said.
According to him, the next phase would bring consolidation and further development, adding that Abia had become a point of reference.
On the church’s development projects, Otti assured the congregation of his administration’s support while reiterating that public funds must be deployed for the overall development of the state rather than individual religious projects.
He also urged Christians to verify information and think critically before reaching conclusions, saying the church had an important role to play in changing the country’s negative narratives.
“Christians, we have the capacity to change the negative narrative of this nation, and especially our state,” he said.
Church leaders preach political discernment
Earlier, the Bishop of Aba Ngwa North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr Nathan Kanu, said the synod’s theme challenged Christians to move beyond merely hearing messages to examining issues prayerfully and responding wisely.
Kanu commended Otti for identifying with the church and supporting its activities. He also presented gifts to the governor’s representative and prayed for God’s blessings upon the governor and his administration.
In his sermon, the guest speaker and Bishop of Ohaji/Egbema Diocese, Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparajiaku, urged Christians to examine what they hear before taking action.
Speaking on “The Bereans’ Wisdom,” with texts from Acts 17:12-15, Oparajiaku said the synod’s theme was particularly relevant in the present circumstances.
“It didn’t say throw it away; it says think through it,” he said, regretting that some Christians had become vulnerable to deception because they failed to examine issues in the light of biblical teachings.
“When members of the church know the Bible, they would not be deceived,” he added.
The cleric also thanked God for giving Abia Governor Otti, whom he credited with changing the state’s narrative.
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