In a bold declaration, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State asserted that it is now the turn of the masses to enjoy the dividends of democracy in the state, emphasizing the need to shift focus from benefiting a privileged few politicians to prioritizing the welfare of the people.
Speaking at the Government House Umuahia while hosting a delegation from the National Institute for Security Studies, Abuja, Otti underscored his commitment to ensuring that Abia pensioners receive their entitlements promptly and consistently.
He announced the clearance of pension arrears owed since 2014 and directed that pensions be paid along with workers’ salaries on the 28th of every month.
“This is the people’s time, politicians have helped themselves enough for the past 24 years,” Otti declared, signaling a departure from past practices where politicians benefited at the expense of the masses.
Furthermore, Otti emphasized the importance of embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, highlighting its relevance in various fields, particularly in cybersecurity and combating financial crimes. He urged the country to embrace AI, warning against the consequences of rejecting it.
The governor also reassured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to maintaining a robust relationship with security agencies in the state. He pledged not to misuse security operatives for personal gains, emphasizing his administration’s adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
Responding, Dr. Adegboyega Karim, the team leader of the visiting delegation, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and his support for federal institutions in the state. He applauded Otti’s commitment to the health sector and predicted that Abia would soon become a reference state if the current developmental momentum is sustained.
The gathering served as a platform to reaffirm Otti’s dedication to prioritizing the welfare of the masses, fostering technological advancement through AI, and maintaining a harmonious relationship with security agencies for the collective good of the state.
