Prof. ACB Agbazuere, who previously served as Chief of Staff to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, has publicly declared his support for Governor Alex Otti's re-election ambition, asserting that the incumbent leader has earned a second term. Agbazuere, who was once a staunch critic of Otti during the 2019 electoral cycle and now serves on the Abia State Government Campaign Advisory Council, made these remarks during a media broadcast across multiple radio stations in the state.
During the interview, Agbazuere also addressed and dismissed a claim previously raised by former commissioner Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, which alleged that Governor Otti had insulted the Ngwa community by calling them brainless. Agbazuere rejected the assertion, labeling it as baseless and driven by political motives, while warning politicians to verify their claims before public circulation.
What was the warning to critics?
Speaking on the legal implications of unverified claims, Agbazuere cautioned political actors against spreading falsehoods, noting that defamatory remarks could lead to legal action under provisions such as the Cybercrimes Act. He emphasized that such allegations would fail to diminish the governor's popularity or weaken his support network among the Ngwa population.
"Dr Alex Otti may love peace; Dr Alex Otti may not want trouble, but they should see that people like us are now with him. Anybody who wants to say anything should be careful and say what he knows to be true," Agbazuere stated.
Why is Agbazuere supporting Otti's administration?
Explaining the rationale behind his political shift following his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Agbazuere pointed to tangible infrastructural developments and welfare reforms spearheaded by the current administration. He highlighted projects such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road and Bank Road in Aba, alongside the Omenuko Bridge and Arochukwu Road initiatives.
Furthermore, he commended the government for prioritizing the regular disbursement of workers' salaries, pensions, and gratuities, alongside upward reviews of allowances for traditional leaders across the state.
How did he address criticisms over federal allocations?
Responding to critics who argue that higher federal allocations should yield more extensive development, Agbazuere urged observers to factor in soaring inflation and the skyrocketing cost of building materials. He pointed out that the price of cement had surged from roughly ₦2,000 to about ₦12,000 per bag, presenting a significant financial challenge for public infrastructure projects.
He challenged detractors to personally inspect ongoing works across the state rather than judge the administration from afar. Describing Governor Otti as a trained economist and banker, he maintained that the state's resources were being managed prudently.
Agbazuere called on residents of Abia State to look beyond partisan lines and support administrative continuity, arguing that an additional term would enable the governor to successfully wrap up ongoing projects. He also noted that during the 2023 governorship race, a prominent opposition figure had privately conceded that Otti was the most competent contender for the office.