National
I won’t jail my critics – Gov Otti
By Sola Omoniyi, Lagos
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has said the days of victimizing Abians who aired their opinions about the affairs of the State are over.
He recalled that Abians who aired their opinions about some deplorable conditions of the State in the past were allegedly thrown into dungeons where they spent many weeks or months just for speaking their minds.
Otti, who stated this on Sunday during a church service at Rhema University Auditorium, Aba, during the 74th birthday celebration of the President, Living Word/ Chancellor, Rhema University, Bro Emma Okorie, said such wicked practices can never find their way into the new Abia State he is leading.
He pointed out that despite the barrage of assaulting criticisms by some people in the State, his administration will not victimize any Abian as it was their fundamental right to do so, adding that every Abian should be treated with dignity and utmost respect as seen in other climes.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue with the restoration of Abia to the glory of God, informing the gathering that his administration has received a comprehensive design of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia as done by a reputable company, adding that very soon, Aba and every other part of the State would wear new looks.
The Abia Governor congratulated Bro Emma Okorie on his 74th birthday, just as he appreciated him, especially for contributing to the Gross Domestic Product, GDP of Abia through the employment of over five thousand staff working in Living Word Hospitals, Rhema University, among others, noting that his giant strides should be celebrated, as done in other climes.
Earlier, while welcoming Governor Otti, his wife Mrs Priscilla Otti and his entourage, Okorie said he knew that a day like this would come as he has worked with faith and not by sight, adding that God is using the Governor to reposition Abia for greatness in line with the visions of Dr Michael Okpara, the former premier of defunct Eastern Nigeria region.