Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has explained why he chose not to respond to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu’s assertion that the Labour Party’s reign in the state would end in 2027, with the All Progressives Congress (APC) taking over.
Otti, speaking at a press briefing at Government House in Umuahia, said it would be imprudent to predict the future, emphasizing that power belongs to God, not humans.
He said; “It is foolhardy for me to be talking about what will happen tomorrow. I chose not to respond to Ben Kalu’s comment because I believe that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wills. I am not competent to sit here and say what will happen in 2027. I do not subscribe to playing God.”
Otti, also declared that he has no plan to sack any worker in the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing the state civil service for optimal performance and productivity.
He noted that timely payment of salaries has already contributed to greater efficiency
The governor said, “I don’t know where that is coming from. There is nothing like mass retrenchment. We have not even thought about it. There’s nothing in the pipeline.
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“Like I said, we don’t have any such plans. We will continue to ensure that our civil service is enhanced and productivity goes up, particularly now that before the end of every month they (civil servants) get paid, so there is no excuse for truancy anymore.”
He attributed the fear of retrenchment among workers to guilt stemming from poor work habits.
He further revealed that his administration is currently reviewing the cases of the remaining few disengaged workers with the aim of reintegrating them into the state workforce.
The governor reiterated his commitment to a non-discriminatory government, stressing that everyone, regardless of their place of origin, who contributes to the state would be treated equally.
He added, “As a person, I believe that people should not be judged or should not be treated fairly or unfairly based on where they come from. That is why in our administration, there are people who do not come from this state that have been given appointments.
“The reason is simple; once you live in Abia, you are from Abia, that is our own principle. You live here, you pay your tax here, you are involved in everything that we are doing, then we must treat you as part of us. This is a government that does not discriminate.
