AS FOR ME, GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI IS TRYING BEYOND HIS POWER - AND I CAN'T DENY WHAT MY EYES ARE SEEING - NIGERIAN BLOGGER (NWASIR AGUWA).

 

As for Me, Governor Alex Otti Is Trying Beyond His Power – And I Can’t Deny What My Eyes Are Seeing

Introduction

In every generation, leaders rise with promises of change. Some come and go without leaving a lasting footprint, while others work tirelessly to etch their names in the memory of their people through visible action, commitment, and resilience. In Nigeria, a country where leadership is often seen through the lens of skepticism, it is rare to hear ordinary citizens boldly say, “this leader is trying beyond his power.”

For me, one name stands out in Abia State today – Governor Alex Otti. Politics aside, party affiliations aside, sentiments aside, what my eyes have seen on the ground in Abia cannot be denied. From infrastructural revival to tackling the ghost of unpaid salaries, from restoring dignity in governance to instilling hope in citizens, Governor Otti is demonstrating that leadership is not about loud promises but about action that speaks louder than words.

This blog is not about praising a man for the sake of politics. Instead, it is about honestly documenting what I, as a citizen and keen observer, have seen happening in Abia State under Governor Otti’s watch. Because in a land where broken promises are the norm, when you see genuine effort and visible results, silence becomes complicity.

The Burden of Leadership in Abia State

Before diving into Governor Otti’s strides, it is important to understand the context in which he assumed power. Abia State, despite being richly blessed with human and natural resources, has for decades struggled with underdevelopment, infrastructural decay, and a lack of accountability.

• Dilapidated roads made intra-state travel nightmarish.

• Mountains of refuse littered the capital city Umuahia and other urban centers.

• Civil servants and pensioners were owed salaries and entitlements stretching into months, sometimes years.

• Healthcare and education sectors groaned under neglect.

• Above all, the people’s hope in governance had almost completely eroded.

It was against this background that Alex Otti, an economist, banker, and technocrat, contested and won the governorship of Abia State. His victory was not just political – it was symbolic. It represented the people’s desperate cry for change. And the question became: could he deliver?

First Impressions: Hitting the Ground Running

Many Nigerian governors spend the first year in office celebrating victory, setting up endless committees, and making excuses about how the problems are too overwhelming. But Otti’s style was different.

From the very first weeks, Abians began to notice a different energy:

1. Clearing of Refuse Heaps: Umuahia and Aba, once mocked as some of the dirtiest cities, began to wear a new look. Simple as it may sound, cleanliness is one of the first signs that a government is working. Before now, I can't enter from Enyimba to Abayi Ariaria without covering my nose, not to talk of eating along that area. But now I can conforatble relax in that place, and I no longer feel bad anytime I remember that I want to travel to Aba. First in history my eyes have seen ASEPA vehicles and tricycle packing dirt in Umuikaa Juction and the streets been swept every morning.

2. Audit of State Finances: Instead of blindly continuing the culture of mismanagement, Otti commissioned audits to expose ghost workers and track revenue leakages. This sent a signal that accountability was returning.

3. Open Communication: Through media briefings and town hall engagements, the governor showed he was not afraid to face the people and give updates. In a state where secrecy once reigned, this was refreshing.

For me, these actions were not just symbolic. They were proof that the governor understood the urgency of his mandate.

Roads, Roads, and More Roads – The Visible Transformation

If there is one thing that touches the common man most, it is the condition of roads. Abia had long been a nightmare in this regard. But today, when I move around, I cannot deny the difference.

• In Aba, the commercial heartbeat of Abia, key roads like Port Harcourt Road, Ossah Road, and Brass Junction have either been rehabilitated or are under reconstruction. Traders who once abandoned shops due to flooding and bad roads are returning.

• In Umuahia, strategic access roads have been opened up, easing traffic congestion and giving the capital city a facelift.

• In rural areas, farm-to-market roads are gradually being revived, which is critical for food distribution and economic growth. If he didn't do any other thing atleast for the completion of the long abandoned Umuene to Isialangwa Juction major road, is an unforgetable good work He has done for the people of my place. Today our people can joyful come out in the night seeing street lights shining in their path. Which my eyes have not seen ever since I was born.

These road projects are not just patchwork repairs; they are quality reconstructions aimed at lasting durability. And as someone who has seen governments commission roads that wash away after the first rainfall, I cannot help but appreciate that Otti’s roads are engineered for tomorrow, not just for today.

Civil Service and Salaries – Restoring Dignity

One of the greatest injustices in Abia’s past governance was the mistreatment of workers and pensioners. Imagine dedicating decades of your life to serving the state, only to retire and be abandoned without your pension. Imagine waking up each morning as a civil servant, uncertain whether you will be paid that month.

Governor Otti confronted this head-on:

• Clearing Salary Backlogs: Workers began to receive salaries promptly. Though not all arrears vanished overnight, the deliberate clearing process restored hope.

• Pension Reforms: The government initiated a verification exercise to eliminate ghost pensioners while ensuring genuine retirees received their dues. This aspect of His achievement has brought blessings of long life to Him from our aged parents. I wish my Father was alive, he would have benefited from this. Infact, he would not have died, because the long years of pension owed to him by the past government also contributed to his death.

• Meritocracy in Appointments: Unlike the old order of political favoritism, Otti emphasized competence in selecting heads of ministries and parastatals.

As a result, the morale in the civil service has improved. Workers who once dragged themselves to work now feel a sense of dignity. And as the saying goes, “a motivated workforce is the backbone of governance.”

Healthcare and Education – Human Development in Focus

No government can claim success if its people are unhealthy and uneducated. Governor Otti’s administration has taken noticeable steps in these areas:

1. Healthcare: Renovation of general hospitals, provision of essential drugs, and plans to establish primary healthcare centers across wards are underway. Partnerships with private health institutions are also being explored to widen access.

2. Education: Schools that were previously abandoned have seen renovations. Though I have not travel allover, but I can see the ongoing reconstruction of government schools in places like; Umuikaa, Owerrinta, Amaise Ovungwu, Umuene, Omoba, and so on. Teacher recruitment drives have been initiated to tackle understaffing. More importantly, emphasis on ICT is beginning to penetrate schools, preparing students for the digital age.

These are still works in progress, but as I have personally witnessed, classrooms that were once leaking and overgrown with weeds are gradually returning to life. For parents and children, this is no small victory.

Economic Revitalization – Laying Foundations for Growth

Governor Otti’s background as an economist and banker is evident in his policies. Beyond fixing roads and paying salaries, he has been intentional about building a sustainable economy:

• SME Support: Recognizing that Aba is the “Japan of Africa” in terms of creativity, his government is encouraging small and medium-scale businesses through training and financial support schemes.

• Agriculture: Initiatives are being rolled out to support farmers with improved seedlings, mechanization, and access to markets.

• Investment Drive: Otti has been engaging investors both locally and internationally, assuring them of a safer, cleaner, and more transparent business environment in Abia.

What stands out here is that instead of waiting for oil money, the governor is leveraging Abia’s natural strengths: commerce, creativity, and agriculture.

Security – Restoring Confidence in the State

Without security, development crumbles. Abia State, like many parts of Nigeria, had been plagued by insecurity ranging from kidnapping to armed robbery. Governor Otti has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, provided vehicles and equipment, and supported community policing initiatives.

Today, there is a visible drop in insecurity, especially in areas that were once notorious hotspots. While challenges still remain, I cannot deny that I now travel with more confidence across parts of the state that I once avoided.

Fighting Corruption – A Different Leadership Style

In Nigeria, corruption often eats deep into state resources. What is different about Governor Otti is not just the absence of scandals so far but his transparent approach:

• Publishing government accounts.

• Auditing ministries.

• Refusing to indulge in frivolous spending.

When leaders live modestly, it sends a strong signal. And Abians can testify that Otti’s government so far has been lean but effective.

The Human Side – Accessibility and Humility

What strikes me personally is not just the projects but the governor’s attitude. Unlike some leaders who become unreachable once they win elections, Otti maintains accessibility:

• He holds town hall meetings.

• He walks among the people without excessive barricades.

• He listens to grievances, even from his critics.

This humility is rare in politics. It makes governance feel less like a dictatorship and more like a partnership with the people.

Challenges He Still Faces

Of course, it would be dishonest to paint everything as perfect. Challenges remain:

• Some roads are still in terrible condition, although some of the contractors may be delaying the works.

• The economy of the state is yet to fully bounce back.

• Unemployment is still high.

• Political opposition constantly seeks to frustrate progress.

But the difference is that Abians now feel a sense of direction. Progress may be slow in some areas, but unlike before, there is visible effort.

Why I Say He Is Trying Beyond His Power

Leadership is not about having unlimited resources; it is about managing scarce resources effectively. For a state like Abia with limited allocations and a heavy debt burden, the progress recorded so far is nothing short of remarkable.

When I see:

• Refuse-free streets,

• Smoothly paved roads where there used to be gullies,

• Teachers and civil servants smiling after payday,

• Hospitals coming back to life,

…I cannot deny what my eyes are seeing. Governor Alex Otti is not a miracle worker, but he is working miracles with the little at his disposal.

Conclusion: A Call for Sustained Support for a visionary leader

As for me, I will not let cynicism blind me to truth. Governor Alex Otti is trying beyond his power, and what I see today in Abia gives me hope that leadership in Nigeria can indeed work.

But it should not stop here. Abians must support this government, hold it accountable, and contribute their quota. Development is not achieved by one man alone; it requires collective effort.

History will judge every leader, but as it stands, Governor Otti is already writing his chapter in bold ink – a chapter of restoration, renewal, and resilience.

For those still doubting, my simple message is this: Come to Abia and see for yourself.

Because I cannot deny what my eyes are seeing.