ONE GOOD TERM DESERVES ANOTHER, BY MONDAY UBANI

God bears me witness that I know good governance when I see it. Despite my national engagements and presence, I have always kept a close eye on Abia State, my place of origin, because charity begins at home.

From 1999 until the moment righteous indignation stirred me into action, Abia State suffered years of mismanagement. The consequences were devastating, bringing untold hardship to the good people of the State, myself included.

Consequently, I made a deliberate and conscious decision to join forces with like-minded patriots to rescue Abia from the grip of political caterpillars and cankerworms that had ravaged our commonwealth. That decision was made in 2014 as the 2015 general elections approached.

We rallied behind Dr. Uche Ogah, PhD, believing he possessed the vision and capacity to redirect the fortunes of our dear State. Unfortunately, that effort did not yield the desired result, despite our pursuit of justice up to the Supreme Court following the judgment that had initially declared him Governor at the trial court.

Undeterred, we regrouped and returned stronger in 2019. Although our candidate emerged as the runner-up, the same ineffective administration was painfully imposed on the people of Abia once again. For many of us, it was a traumatic and disappointing experience.

However, one fact remained clear. Dr. Alex Chioma Otti had demonstrably won the hearts of the people as far back as 2015 but was denied victory through circumstances that remain a subject of public debate. His consistency, resilience, competence, and unwavering commitment to presenting an alternative vision for Abia convinced many of us that he was the leader the State desperately needed.

Consequently, in 2022, I openly and boldly identified with his movement. In 2023, the rest became history.
Not only did we win the election convincingly, but the outpouring of joy that greeted his victory was unprecedented in the history of our State. More importantly, we stood firmly and resolutely in defence of that mandate, trusting God and relying on lawful means to ensure that the people’s will prevailed. God bless Prof.Nnenna Otti, the righteous Returning Officer of INEC at Abia in 2023!

Upon assuming office, Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti began to shine brightly, demonstrating the qualities of leadership that Abians had long yearned for. His achievements within just three years have surpassed what many believed was impossible after twenty-four years of stagnation and disappointment.

Governor Otti came to wipe away the tears of Abians and restore our State to its rightful position as truly God’s Own State. Today, many Abians proudly announce their State of origin wherever they go even when not asked! What a transformation! What a relief! What a remarkable difference good governance can make.

Having witnessed firsthand what purposeful leadership can accomplish, many well-meaning citizens have once again resolved to stand together in support of progress. We are committed to re-electing Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti in 2027 for another four years of transformative leadership.

We have tasted the sweetness of good governance after decades of deprivation. Who, having tasted honey, would willingly spit it out except those who neither appreciate nor desire progress?

Through the administration of Dr. Alex Otti, we have seen, felt, and experienced the goodness of God in Abia State. The appropriate reward for outstanding performance is the opportunity to do even more. By the completion of his constitutionally permitted tenure, we envisage an Abia State where:

*An airport of international standard serves as a gateway to economic prosperity.
*Reliable electricity supply becomes a reality through strategic reforms in the power sector.
*All dilapidated primary and secondary schools are transformed into centres of excellence.
*The healthcare sector is revitalised through improved infrastructure, equipment, and personnel.
*Road networks connect communities across all local government areas, facilitating commerce and development.
*Nightlife and economic activities flourish safely in our major cities and towns.
*Aba regains and surpasses its historic status as the commercial heartbeat of the region.
*Salaries and pensions continue to be paid promptly and consistently.
*Abia State University attains a level of excellence comparable to leading institutions globally.
*Security of lives and property is strengthened across the State.
*A cleaner, healthier, and more godly environment is maintained.
*The judiciary remains and even becomes a model of efficiency and excellence in Nigeria.

If we are sincere in our assessment of governance in Nigeria today, Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti stands among the most hardworking, efficient, people-oriented, and humble leaders in the country.
I am proud to be associated with him, and I make no apology for presenting him to Abians, and indeed to the world as my candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

May the Almighty God preserve our lives to witness yet another historic celebration of victory, joy, and dancing when the people once again renew his mandate.

And if you desire God’s blessings, favour and wants to make heaven kindly type Amen to this prayer.

• Dr. Monday Ubani, SAN wrote from Ikwuano in Abia State

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