Return Abia Loots In Your Possession, Otti Fires As He Collects Certificate of Return

Abia State Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti has urged those that looted the state treasury to return every looted fund that is still in their possession immediately and voluntarily.

Otti who stated this after receiving his Certificate of Return at the Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Umuahia, the state capital, on Wednesday said that he would not be vindictive, adding that he would not have the time to be chasing anybody around.

“I call on those who have looted Abia funds to return it immediately. We can’t allow our resources to be converted to a private estate while Abians are wallowing in abject poverty.”

Otti assured Abians that he would not disappoint them, admitting that he was aware of the huge expectations that are on him.

“God had given Abia a new song”, and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him by Abia voters.

“Your expectations have put a huge responsibility on us. I won’t fail Abians who have waited for opportunity like this for a new dawn.

“You will not be disappointed. I won’t betray the confidence you have in me “, Otti assured.

Otti who commended candidates of other political parties who had already called to congratulate and promised to support him to move the state forward.

The governor-elect urged other contestants to put the election behind them and rally round him for the good of the state instead of engaging in litigation against “a clearly won election”.

Otti who thanked the out-going Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu for also congratulating him, and for advising other contestants against what he described as unnecessary litigations, called on Ikpeazu not to create unnecessary tension in the state by awarding fresh contracts as doing so may not be in good taste.

He however commended the Returning Officer, and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO, Professor Nnenna Otti, for being upright and refusing to be compromised.

This is even as he denied any affinity with the Returning Officer contrary to allegations by the ruling party, explaining that the Returning Officer hails from Ebonyi State, and is not by any means related to him.

Otti said she deserved commendation for standing on the side of truth.

“With people like her, there is hope for Nigeria”, Otti said.

He also commended INEC for conducting a credible poll in Abia, although he noted that Labour Party Leader and Collation agent in Obingwa attacked by thugs is still hospitalised.

Speaking earlier, INEC National Commissioner and Head Voter Education and Publicity, Barr. Festus Okoye, thanked Abians for being vigilant to protect their votes.

Okoye noted that democracy needed to be nurtured to grow, adding that INEC alone cannot conduct credible elections without the collaborative efforts of other stakeholders including the citizenry.

Okoye said that huge expectations were on Otti and the Deputy Governor-elect, Emetu Lekwachi, and prayed God to grant them the grace and wisdom to deliver.

In his remarks, the INEC Administrative Secretary, Clement Oha, said the elections in Abia were successful and credible.

He noted that in some states INEC offices had been deserted after the polls unlike Abia where the INEC officials are still on ground because they discharged their duties creditably.

Some of the dignitaries sighted at the glamorous event included former PDP Chairman in the state and governorship aspirant, Senator Emma Nwaka; Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the state, Apostle Emmanuel Agonmuo; State Chairman of Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC who doubles as LP Chairman, Ceekay Igara; Otti’s Campaign Council Director General, Hon. Acho Obioma; among LP Leaders and supporters.