Era of Political Intimidation Over in Abia -Otti

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said his administration has ended political intimidation and victimisation of residents over their political choices.

Otti stated this on Saturday in Umuahia while flagging off his re-election campaign at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

In a statement released on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the event was attended by supporters of the Labour Party drawn from the 17 local government areas of the state.

The governor said his attempts to lead the state in 2015 and 2019 were unsuccessful until 2023 when his party won the governorship election.

According to him, his administration has ended what he described as the era of political profiteers and siege on the state.

“We defied intimidation to liberate Abia and break Abia from the era of siege. Never shall we go back to the era of irresponsibility,” Otti said.

He assured residents that no one would be punished for their political choices under his administration.

“Never again will anyone’s fence be pulled down on account of political choices. I declare Abia free,” he said.

Otti said his re-election manifesto is themed ‘The New Abia: From Rescue to Consolidation’ and would focus on institutionalising transparency and consolidating his administration’s achievements.

He listed about 400 road projects covering over 1,000 kilometres, interventions in primary healthcare, recruitment of teachers and support for industries as part of his record.

The governor directed state officials to make public facilities available to all political parties for campaign activities upon payment of prescribed fees.

He urged his supporters to base their campaigns on issues and performance.