By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has said that those campaigning to take over from Governor Alex Otti in 2027 are wasting their time, saying that the Governor's good works in just two years have done the campaign for him.

Bishop Ukpong stated this on Sunday, 17th August, when he hosted the Governor to a lunch at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, to celebrate his impactful and remarkable achievements, in his 2nd year anniversary in office.

The revered Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese said that things he thought would be impossible to happen in his lifetime in the State have been made possible by Governor Otti.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by Otti's Chief press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia.

?There was a time I sent you a text, telling you that for the first time, Abians are proud to be Abians. I have not been to Aba for a long time. Those living there are telling the stories of your good works in Aba, which the Catholic Bishop of Aba, Bishop Echema, has also confirmed. We are saying, keep it up.

?If we finish saying everything we are saying without mentioning Igwu (Omenuko) bridge, then we have not started. Since I became an adult, travelling from Ohafia through Bende-Ohafia Road, once you get to Igwu bridge, the journey becomes scary until you cross the bridge. Once you cross the bridge, you know that you have started your journey; coming from Umuahia, the same thing.

?But now, nobody is scared of the bridge again because of the work you have done there. Hence, we say thank you. What i thought was impossible in the past is now possible.

?I didn?t know that in my lifetime that the bridge would be like what it is now,? Bishop Ukpong stated amidst applause.

Speaking further, he recalled his ugly experience in 2018 when he went to Arochukwu through Ndi-oji road, saying that he regretted the journey because of the bad state of the roads which he described as a very big nightmare after spending hours on the journey.

He, however, recalled a pleasant experience earlier this year when they went on a pastoral visit in Arochukwu. He was told to ply the road that the road had been fixed by Governor Otti?s administration. After much doubts, because of his 2018 experience, he said ?let me try it.? From Amuvi Arochukwu to Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge, the Bishop spent 25 minutes. He couldn?t believe it, "I couldn?t believe it," the Bishop excitedly stated.

?So, the saying that there is no easy route to Aro has been destroyed by His Excellency. There are good roads to Aro now. His Excellency, thank you for that; we cannot start mentioning things one-by-one, just to say, you are doing well, and we are behind you. And, we are proud to have supported you.

?Already, what is happening in the social media, even comedians are using it to crack jokes, ?whoever is going to contest 2027 governorship election in Abia State is wasting their time. The Governor has campaigned for himself already through good works. So, you can just sleep, Abians will vote for you except those who don?t like good things,? the Catholic leader asserted.

"We want you to continue. If it is possible to elongate the tenure to third and fourth term, with somebody like you, we will not bother about that. Thank you, and God bless you.

Governor Otti thanked the Bishop for deciding on his own to celebrate him and thank God for the modest achievements of his administration in the last 2 years.

The Governor thanked the Bishop for the huge support he gave during the campaigns. While acknowledging the significant support of other groups and stakeholders, Governor Otti said that the greatest support came from the churches ?Our greatest support came from the churches,? the State Chief Executive stated.

Dr. Otti opined that leadership is all about stewardship and service, saying that anytime leadership moves away from stewardship and service, it becomes self-serving and selfish. He reassured that greater things are coming compared to what the people had already seen so far.

While disclosing that what they met on the ground on the assumption of office was a terrible situation, he said ?but we don't like complaining as that will not solve the problem. We are dealing with the situations with the little resources available to us, paying back debts left behind by our predecessors, paying back almost 60% of the debts and doing other things we have done in the last 2 years without borrowing any kobo.?

Speaking about the recently approved USD263 Million loans for the State by the Africa Development Bank, Islamic development Bank, etc, giving the State buffer to help accelerate and spread people-centered development projects, Governor Otti explained that it was good to have the funds available but that they would only be accessed as the need arises and assured that they would be prudently managed.

The Governor was joined in the lunch with the Bishop by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmeregini, Hon. Chinasa Anthony Abiola, representing Umuahia Central State Constituency, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba ph.D, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, among other top Government functionaries.

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