Abia First Military Administrator Rates Otti High On Devt

The first military administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshall Frank Ajobena (rtd), has rated the governor, Alex Otti, high on development, which he said has restored the hope of the people in purposeful governance.

Ajobena stated this during what he termed as a solidarity visit to Otti at his Nvosi country home, saying under him the state had become a reference point for quality leadership in the country.

He recalled that when he assumed duty in August 1991, the people were happy and eager to make the state great, but regretted that the enthusiasm waned due to bad leadership.

The former Air Force chief lauded Otti for the Aba Power Project, describing the commercial city as the “Taiwan of Nigeria due to the ingenuity of the people requiring the right leadership to thrive.”

While commending him for his “selfless service,” Ajobena urged him not to be discouraged by critics and cynics, noting that detractors are inevitable in leadership.

According to him, the visit, after 14 years, had given him opportunity to personally verify the positive reports he had been hearing about the state under the present administration.

‎”You don’t change a winning team, he is doing very well. Everyone, including his detractors, should support him to continue and complete what he has started,” Ajobena added.

‎The retired Air Vice Marshall, who administered the state from August 1991 to January 1992, was accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (rtd), during the visit.

‎In his response, Otti expressed delight over the visit, thanked the former administrator for his service and sacrifice to state, and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance.

‎He acknowledged the challenges Ajobena faced while laying the foundation and administering the new state, describing him as one of the most reliable and worthy founding fathers of the state.

‎”I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992. That foundational work was so critical for the takeoff and development of the state. Thank you for the work you did,” he said.‎

Otti, who said his administration believes that governance is about building on the foundations laid by exemplary predecessors, said the ultimate test  of leadership is the happiness and well-being of the people it created.