Kinsmen of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, late Dr. Michael Okpara, have told former governors of Abia State that their threat to stop Governor Alex Otti from being re-elected is not supported by the popular will of the electorate.
This was contained in a message delivered by Uzodinma Okpara, the son of the late former Premier on Wednesday in Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA.
Uzodinma, who was reacting to the threat jointly issued against Otti by former governors Orji Kalu, Theodore Orji and Okezie Ikpeazu, said the people should be allowed to choose who governs them.
While urging the people to rally behind Governor Otti, Uzodinma said the state is emerging from past years of underdevelopment.
On the allegations that Otti is running a government where contract costs are deliberately inflated, Uzodinma said that those making the claims should reconcile the funds the state government receives with the details of expenditures, before coming up with such accusations.
The son of the former Premier said that Umuahia, Aba and other major towns in Abia were covered with heaps of refuse before the coming of the current administration, noting that the state now has a cleaner environment, better infrastructure and a functioning educational system.
In his speech, the local government Chairman of Umuahia North LGA, Smart Iheoma, said Governor Alex Otti is not hijacking financial allocations coming to his council.
The LG chairman said he should be held accountable for every fund accruing to the local government.
Also speaking at the press conference, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency, Obi Aguocha, said the livelihood of majority of Abia residents have improved since the coming of the Labour Party administration in the state.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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