Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has declared that he will remain committed to the Labour Party (LP), the platform on which he was elected.
The Governor made vow following the political realignments triggered by the earlier exit of the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi.
Governor Otti was responding to questions from journalists during the December edition of his monthly media parley, “Governor Otti Speaks,” amid speculations over his political future.
He stressed that his priority remains good governance and the consolidation of the mandate freely given to him by the people of Abia State.
The governor said that political distractions would not derail his administration’s focus.
He explained that he joined the Labour Party before Mr Peter Obi and remains determined to contribute to stabilizing and strengthening the party.
According to him, discussions about alternative political platforms could only arise after all internal efforts to fortify the Labour Party have been fully explored.
Invitation to APC
Reacting to comments attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, who reportedly invited him to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Governor Otti said he had taken a deliberate decision not to be swayed by political suggestions.
He, however, commended the Deputy Speaker for his recent philanthropic gestures to vulnerable persons in the state during the festive period.
Governor Otti also used the forum to highlight achievements and ongoing reforms across critical sectors of the Abia economy.
He disclosed that his administration has commenced the renovation and equipping of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, with an initial target of 200 facilities.
On workers’ welfare, the governor noted that Abia civil servants now receive their monthly salaries on or before the 28th of every month.
He assured workers that the payment of their approved leave allowances would soon commence.
