By PETER ANOSIKE

Stakeholders of Ihe Abia led by its Leader, Dr. Jasper Uche and the Convener, Ichie Dr. Emeka Okpara, on Monday April 20, paid a solidarity visit to the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, at the Government House in Umuahia.

The group was received by the Governor, his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and other government functionaries.

Other members of Ihe Abia delegation included Mr. Bethel Onyekachi Eze, Barr. Nzube Iheji, Godwin Ike Ugochukwu Uwaezuoke and Emeka Onyia.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Uche commended the governor for his exemplary leadership in Abia State and promised to lend his support and that of the group in ensuring that the governor does more to uplift the lives of Abians by delivering more of what he is doing already.

"Your antecedents as an accomplished banker is manifesting in the governance of Abia State. You have brought Abia to the limelight once again, and it is evident to everyone who wants to stand on the truth. We have noticed appreciable difference and truth must not be sacrificed on the altar of politics. We owe it to our people to let them understand that your administration is working for the benefit of the people and it must be supported for continuity.", Uche said.

Furthermore he said: "The work you do here is even heard in other parts of the world. I was on a mission job in Kenya, I was pleasantly surprised that people talked about the good work you are doing in Abia. His Excellency, you have our support and encourage to do more for Abia."

In his remarks, the Convener, Ichie Dr. Okpara praised the efforts of the governor in scaling development in Abia State.

According to Okpara, "His Excellency Gov. Alex Otti has reformed the battered image of Abia in the past three years of his administration. Anywhere I go to, I'm proud to introduce myself as an Abian and people are quick to tell me that we are lucky to have Dr. Alex Otti as our governor. It is not just words, it is real, we live it, we have seen it, we know it."

Okpara said that Ihe Abia as an organisation that continuously holds governments to account has monitored the Alex Otti administration in the last three years and came to the conclusion that Abia is truly renewed.

"Ihe Abia is an organisation that is built on the platform of monitoring governments across board to ensure that the governance structure meets with international standards of trust, accountability and transparency. In the past three years, we have followed the activities of this government and we have come to the conclusion that Abia is a better place now and we pledge our support for the governor and his team, especially as we head into a general election in 2027", Okpara said.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked the team for the visit, and mandated the deputy governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, Umunneochi Council Chairman, Hon. Sunday Afurobi, and the State Commissioner for Lands, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije to organise a befitting reception for Ihe Abia in Umunneochi Local Government Area.