Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said that there will be no division in Abia under his watch as everyone both indigenes and non-indigenes resident in the state will be treated equally.
Speaking during an interdenominational thanksgiving service to commemorate his first anniversary in office at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, Governor Otti stated that he has assured everyone that there will be no division.
“We are all the same people. I think what is most important is also that this administration does not discriminate, we don’t even want to know what part of Abia you’re coming from.
“We don’t even want to know what part of Igboland you come from. Once you reside here (in Abia), you are a part of us. That is why today, we have for the first time a Permanent Secretary, who does not come from Abia State, who does not come from any state in the South East but comes from Edo State,” Governor Otti stated.
He thanked God for the opportunity to serve the state as this would not have been possible without God and the support of Abians and pledged not to disappoint God and the people.
The Governor said his administration is not celebrating the anniversary but marking same with the commissioning of landmark projects, executed by his government.
Preaching a sermon entitled, “Pay Back Time to God,” The Rev. Dr. Uma Onwunta of the Presbyterian Church, said God expects thanksgiving from his people, noting that what the Governor has done is in fulfilment of his vow to God.
According to him, one of the ways to pay back to God is through prayers and acknowledgment that without His Grace we can do nothing.
He stressed the need for Christians to yield themselves to God in thanksgiving, noting that a lot has been accomplished in the State under Governor Otti.
The Thanksgiving Service was attended by top government functionaries including the deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu; House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa and his deputy, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregini; and Chief Judge of the State, Honourable Justice Lilian Abai.
Others were Senator Darlington Nwokocha, member representing Ikwuano-Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha; National Vice Chairman of Labour Party (LP) South East, Elder Ceekay Igara; Archbishop Chibuzo Opoko, Bishop Sunday Onuoha, and host of other dignitaries, including the Mayors, clergies and others.
