The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. (Prof.) Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has declared that the achievements of Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, will stand as a testament to his leadership and campaign for him ahead of future elections.
Bishop Echema made the statement on Sunday, April 27, during a thanksgiving service for Rev. Dr. Christian Ikpeamaeze at St. Peter Claver Catholic Parish, Umueleghele, Eketa, in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
“Your good works will campaign for you. I always tell my people: if you cannot see, can’t you at least hear? Nobody believed — not even myself — that governance could be this good, effective, and easy. I never imagined Aba could be as clean as it is today,” Bishop Echema said.
Highlighting Governor Otti’s infrastructural strides, the bishop pointed to major projects such as the solid reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba. He described the transformation as unprecedented and praised the administration for restoring pride among Abia residents.
“For the very first time, Abians are proud to be Abians and proud of their Governor. This is not a campaign; it is the reality we are witnessing,” he added.
Bishop Echema also noted the positive economic impact of the government’s efforts, revealing that businesses and residents have returned to formerly deserted areas like Port Harcourt Road due to the improved infrastructure and security. He emphasized that good governance creates a conducive environment for citizens to thrive.
He commended Governor Otti for maintaining a strong relationship with the Catholic Church and highlighted the growing admiration for Abia State nationally. The bishop remarked that many Nigerians now express surprise at the volume of development projects ongoing across the state.
Recalling a past engagement, Bishop Echema praised the Governor for fulfilling his promise made during the 2024 Chrism Mass to clear the backlog of pensions owed to retirees.
“It is not just about roads. Workers and pensioners are getting paid. It is about transforming lives,” he said amid applause from the congregation.
Concluding his remarks, Bishop Echema declared: “As you continue your good works, no force of evil can stand against you. Nobody can challenge you because the good works already on the ground will speak.”
Earlier in his address, Governor Otti thanked God for the recovery of Rev. Dr. Ikpeamaeze, who underwent a critical surgery in Germany last December.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in the state, announcing plans for a world-class medical village in Isiala Ngwa South LGA. He stated that the facility would offer treatments that currently drive Nigerians abroad for medical care.
He also disclosed that, beyond the 200 Primary Healthcare Centers currently being renovated across the 184 wards of the state, another batch of 200 centers would be refurbished, with the goal of revamping all 948 Primary Healthcare Centers across Abia.
Additionally, Governor Otti revealed plans to complete the construction of a modern Eketa Market by the end of the year, which will serve as a model for future market developments statewide.
In his remarks, Rev. Dr. Ikpeamaeze expressed profound gratitude to God for his survival and thanked Governor Otti for his support and for the visible transformations taking place across the state.
The event was attended by religious leaders, top government officials, political figures, and other dignitaries.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
