The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Rev. Michael Ukpong, has declared that those already campaigning to succeed Governor Alex Otti in 2027 are wasting their time, stressing that the governor’s performance within just two years in office has already secured the people’s support.
Ukpong made the remark on Sunday during a lunch reception he hosted for Otti at the Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, where he commended the governor’s impactful achievements.
He noted that projects once considered impossible had been executed under Otti’s administration, citing the rehabilitation of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge and the Arochukwu–Ohafia Road as clear examples.
The bishop recalled, “There was a time I sent you a text, telling you that for the first time, ‘Abians are proud to be Abians.’ I haven’t visited Aba in a long while, but those living there keep sharing stories of your good works. The Catholic Bishop of Aba, Bishop Echema, has also confirmed this. We are saying, keep it up.”
Speaking further, Ukpong described how the once-feared Igwu Bridge had now been transformed. “Since adulthood, whenever I traveled from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, getting to the Igwu bridge was always scary. But now, no one is afraid of that bridge anymore. What I thought was impossible in my lifetime has now been made possible.”
He also recalled his harrowing experience traveling to Arochukwu via Ndi-Oji Road in 2018 but expressed delight at how easily the same journey could now be made after Otti’s intervention.
“The popular saying that there is no easy road to Aro has been destroyed by His Excellency. Today, there are good roads to Aro. We are proud to have supported you, and we are solidly behind you,” Ukpong said.
The bishop added humorously that even comedians now joke that anyone planning to contest against Otti in 2027 is wasting their time. “The governor has already campaigned for himself through his good works. Abians will vote for you, except those who don’t like good things. If it were possible to extend your tenure to a third or fourth term, we would gladly support that.”
Responding, Governor Otti thanked the bishop for the recognition and assured him that his administration would remain focused on service. He expressed appreciation for the church’s role during his campaigns and acknowledged the support of various groups and stakeholders.
“Our greatest support came from the churches,” Otti noted, emphasizing that leadership must be about stewardship and service, not self-interest.
He reassured Abians of greater achievements ahead, explaining that his administration was tackling challenges with the limited resources available while paying off debts inherited from past governments. “We have already repaid almost 60% of the debts without borrowing a kobo,” he said.
On the recently approved $263 million loan facilities from development banks, Otti clarified that the funds would be accessed only when necessary and managed prudently.
The lunch was attended by top government officials, including Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu; Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Austin Nmerigini; Hon. Chinasa Anthony Abiola (Umuahia Central Constituency); Chief of Staff Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna; and Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, among others.
