Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared an end to the days of victimizing Abians who express their opinions about the state’s affairs.

He reflected on past incidents where Abians who dared to speak out about the deplorable conditions of the state were reportedly subjected to imprisonment, spending weeks or even months in dungeons merely for exercising their freedom of speech.

During a Sunday church service at Rhema University Auditorium in Aba, held as part of the 74th birthday celebration of Bro Emma Okorie, the President and Chancellor of Rhema University, Governor Otti firmly stated that such cruel practices would not be tolerated in the new Abia State under his leadership. He emphasized that despite facing substantial criticism from some individuals in the state, his administration would not retaliate against any Abian. He firmly asserted that every Abian should be treated with dignity and utmost respect, mirroring practices in more civilized societies.

Governor Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing effort to restore Abia to its former glory. He informed the audience that his administration had received a comprehensive plan for the rejuvenation of Aba, the state’s commercial hub, from a reputable company. He assured that in the near future, Aba and other parts of the state would undergo significant transformations.

The governor also took the opportunity to extend his congratulations to Bro Emma Okorie on his 74th birthday. He expressed his appreciation for Okorie’s significant contributions to Abia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through institutions like Living Word Hospitals and Rhema University, which collectively employ over five thousand people. He emphasized the importance of celebrating such noteworthy accomplishments, akin to the practices observed in other regions.

In his welcoming remarks to Governor Otti, his wife Mrs. Priscilla Otti, and their entourage, Bro Emma Okorie expressed his belief that a day like this would come. He attributed Governor Otti’s achievements to faith-driven efforts and expressed his conviction that God was using the governor to position Abia for greatness, aligning with the visions of Dr. Michael Okpara, the former premier of the defunct Eastern Nigeria region.