Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, pledged his continued support for President Bola Tinubu as the President implements tough but necessary reforms to fix Nigeria’s economy. He commended Tinubu for making the bold decision to remove the fuel subsidy an action Otti said was long overdue.
Governor Otti made this statement on Sunday while receiving Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State Governor and current Senator representing Abia North, along with Senator Chris Adighije, a former representative of Abia Central. The two senators visited Otti at his residence in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, to commend his leadership and discuss governance.
Otti emphasized his longstanding alignment with Tinubu on economic issues. “President Tinubu and I have maintained a solid friendship that predates party politics. We often share similar views, particularly on the economy,” he said. Otti noted that he had advocated for the removal of fuel subsidies years ago in his columns during the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that Nigeria needed to stop subsidizing fuel when global demand for crude oil had dropped.
He credited Tinubu for having the courage to carry out the removal, describing it as a necessary correction after years of financial irresponsibility. “This correction is painful but essential. If we remain focused, we will eventually achieve the economic stability we seek,” he said.
When asked about his political stance, Otti made it clear: “Supporting the President is a straightforward decision. We’re working toward the same goals.”
Otti criticized politicians who have already started campaigning for 2027. “It’s only 2025, and people are talking about 2027. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Let’s focus on today. Planning that far ahead as if you’re God is both presumptuous and irresponsible,” he stated.
He thanked Senator Kalu for his previous service as governor and explained that his own administration had chosen not to dwell on past failures but to press forward with development. “We hit the reset button and moved ahead. Governance continues regardless of who is in charge. We’re here to work, not fight,” Otti added.
The Governor highlighted his economic strategy, citing road development in Aba that encouraged a resident to donate ₦200 million in support. He described how businesses in Aba now operate even at night, boosting economic activity and cash flow. “Economic growth isn’t rocket science. When people stay awake, money keeps moving,” he said.
Otti also revealed plans to light up the Umuahia–Ohafia corridor to prevent the economy in that area from “going to sleep” at 6 p.m. “We want activity around the clock, like in Lagos and Abuja,” he explained.
Earlier in the meeting, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu expressed his appreciation for the improved infrastructure. He recounted how a road that used to take three hours now takes under one hour, thanks to Otti’s intervention. “You’ve done well for our state, and I will always support you,” Kalu said, assuring the Governor of his ongoing support regardless of political affiliation.
Kalu urged Otti to maintain his relationship with Tinubu, noting that good governance should transcend party lines. He encouraged the governor to stay close to the President, not as a political move, but for the state’s benefit.
Senator Chris Adighije also expressed his pride in Otti’s leadership. He said he stood by his decision to support the governor, adding that the state’s progress should come before politics. He praised Tinubu’s national performance and urged Otti to continue backing the President.
