President Tinubu Holds Meeting With Abia Governor Alex Otti Over Nnamdi Kanu Release

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday received Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in a meeting reportedly linked to ongoing efforts to secure the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment on terrorism-related charges by a Federal High Court in Abuja on November 20, 2025, has since become the focus of protests and advocacy for his release. Governor Otti’s visit comes after he met Kanu at the Sokoto prison, where the IPOB leader is serving his sentence. He was accompanied by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN; and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Following the prison visit, Otti reaffirmed the state’s commitment to pursuing all lawful measures to secure Kanu’s freedom. “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m pleased to inform you that I have activated, and will continue to pursue, the agreed strategy until his freedom is secured,” he stated. Tuesday’s meeting with President Tinubu is seen as part of a coordinated political and legal effort to explore possible solutions at the federal level. Details of the discussions between Tinubu and Otti have not yet been made public.

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Governor Alex Otti’s Aides Survive Gunmen Attack In Owerri, No Casualties Reported

Abia Governor Alex Otti’s aides came under attack by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday in Owerri, Imo State’s capital. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, just a few kilometres from Sam Mbakwe Airport, as the vehicle carrying three officials—part of an advance team—was reportedly targeted by fleeing gunmen. Njoku Ukoha, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, confirmed the attack, noting that Governor Otti was not involved. “In the early hours of today, December 2nd, an advance team of three members from the Office of the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, on duty to Sam Mbakwe Airport, Imo State, was attacked by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred between Umuowa and Ihite junction, shortly before the Sam Mbakwe Airport junction in Imo State,” the statement read. Ukoha added that there were no casualties and that the governor’s convoy remained unaffected.

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Alex Otti Visits Nnamdi Kanu In Sokoto, Assures Continued Efforts For His Release

Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Sunday paid a visit to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu at the Sokoto Correctional Centre, assuring him that efforts to secure his release remain active. Governor Otti was joined by Kanu’s younger brother, Emmanuel Kanu; Abia State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ikechukwu Uwanna (SAN); and his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma. Officials from the Sokoto State Government were also present. Speaking after the visit, Ekeoma said Otti encouraged Kanu to stay strong, noting that the governor had intensified initiatives he began more than two years ago. Otti expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved administratively, and that Kanu would soon regain his freedom. The governor also informed Kanu that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, had expressed support for a peaceful resolution. Otti recounted that the Sultan jokingly referred to Kanu as his “subject” and hinted at turbaning him, a remark that made Kanu laugh. Kanu, reportedly in good spirits, thanked Otti for the visit, commended the development projects in Abia State, and encouraged the governor to continue prioritising effective governance.

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Abia Governor Alex Otti Raises NYSC Allowances Up to ₦50,000

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced a significant hike in the monthly allowances for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members serving in the state, raising payments from ₦4,000 to as much as ₦50,000. Under the new structure, all corps members will receive a base monthly allowance of ₦20,000. Those posted to state government offices will earn an additional ₦10,000, while medical and teaching corps members will get a further ₦30,000 per month. The increase was confirmed on Friday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Njoku Ukoha, who said the adjustment complements the Federal Government’s new NYSC allowance of ₦77,000. He explained that the move is part of Governor Otti’s broader plan to strengthen youth empowerment and public sector capacity in Abia. “This is the first major increment in 27 years, highlighting Governor Otti’s commitment to workforce development and supporting young professionals in the state,” Ukoha said. The statement also highlighted other initiatives by the Otti administration, including the renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp in Bende LGA, upgrading internal roads, improving power infrastructure, and modernizing camp facilities—even though the camp is federal property. “Every institution in Abia, whether federal or state-owned, deserves attention because it directly benefits Abians,” Ukoha noted. Governor Otti’s reforms also extend to the healthcare sector. The state recently implemented the Consolidated Health Salary Structure for health workers and local government employees, aligning their pay with federal standards to boost morale and productivity. The administration allocates roughly 35 per cent of the state budget to healthcare and education, which are considered critical to human capital development. The allowance hike is aimed at making service in Abia more rewarding and encouraging young professionals to contribute meaningfully to the state’s development. “This decision sends a clear message that Abia State is serious about empowering youth, rewarding excellence, and ensuring service is valued,” the statement said. With this new policy, Abia now ranks among the top states offering the highest monthly stipends to NYSC members. By comparison, Adamawa State recently raised its NYSC allowance from ₦20,000 to ₦30,000, as announced by Governor Ahmadu Fintiri during the swearing-in of the 2025 Batch B Stream I corps members at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Damare, Girei LGA. “We are committed to improving the welfare of corps members and creating a supportive environment for your service,” Fintiri stated.

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Governor Otti Hands Over 28 Brand-New Cars To Abia Permanent Secretaries

Governor Otti Hands Over 28 Brand-New Cars To Abia Permanent Secretaries

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has presented 28 brand-new official cars to Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service as part of efforts to strengthen efficiency and restore pride in the public sector. The vehicles were handed over on Tuesday evening during a brief ceremony at the newly commissioned Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia. Speaking at the event, Governor Otti said the gesture was aimed at making the work of the Permanent Secretaries easier and more effective. “Gone are the days of coming to work with keke. Your documents are ready, including all amortization details, but you don’t have to pay anything. These cars are yours,” he said. He explained that the initiative reflects his administration’s resolve to equip the civil service with the necessary tools for better service delivery. Otti stressed that the appointments of the Permanent Secretaries were based strictly on merit and competence, noting that the process was transparent and free of favoritism. “All of you attained this position on your own merit. Even those I knew personally didn’t make it because the process was transparently conducted,” he stated. The governor also commended the Permanent Secretaries for their cooperation and dedication, describing them as vital to the implementation of his administration’s programmes and policies. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Otti expressed confidence that the new vehicles would enhance productivity and motivate the officials to deliver improved service. He reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the state’s civil service through technology and digital reforms aimed at promoting efficiency and accountability. “As we embark on this next phase of civil service transformation, I’m counting on you to drive the digitalization process. I’ve approved the purchase of internet-ready devices for everyone, and we’re working to make the entire state internet connected,” Otti added. In a vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Lands, TPL Ukpabi Ukeje, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, expressed deep appreciation to the governor for the gesture and prayed for God’s guidance and strength for him. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Sir Chris Onwuegbu, described the donation as a morale booster that would further motivate them to deliver quality service. The event was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, and other senior government officials.

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Alex Otti Refutes Defection Rumours, Affirms Loyalty To Labour Party

Governor Alex Otti Denies Defecting To APC, Says Rumour Is Cheap Propaganda

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Addressing the rumours, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the claim as baseless propaganda being spread by political opponents unsettled by Otti’s growing popularity and achievements in governance. Kanu emphasised that Governor Otti remains a loyal and active member of the Labour Party, the platform through which he was overwhelmingly elected by the people of Abia. He said the governor’s attention remains fixed on delivering effective leadership, not political distractions. “Governor Alex Otti is a proud member of the Labour Party, focused on rebuilding Abia, restoring accountability, and ensuring that citizens enjoy the real dividends of democracy,” Kanu stated. He added that just last week, during the October edition of Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians, the governor made it clear that he had no interest in political defections or alliances, stressing that his commitment lies in transforming Abia State and serving its people with integrity. According to Kanu, Otti’s administration continues to pursue a clear development agenda built on transparency, fiscal discipline, infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, and economic growth — principles that align perfectly with the Labour Party’s core values. He urged residents to disregard the false reports, describing them as a deliberate attempt by detractors to distract the government and undermine the visible progress being achieved across the state.

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Alex Otti Says Politicians Should Write Their Will if They Attempt to Rig 2027 Elections

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has emphasized that the “will” of God and the people will determine the outcome of the 2027 governorship election, warning politicians against trying to manipulate the results. Speaking on Thursday during the October edition of Alex Otti Speaks to Abians at the Government House, Umuahia, the governor stressed that while he welcomes anyone who wishes to contest, those planning to rig the election should be prepared to face consequences. “I have heard that some people around him say they must take over this state, they must write results, but the only advice I have for them is that if they truly want to write results, they should write something else before that time. You know what it is? Their will,” Otti said, highlighting that no human action can override divine and popular will. His remarks came in response to statements reportedly made by Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who claimed the All Progressives Congress (APC) intends to take over Abia in 2027. Otti’s warning comes amid early political maneuvering ahead of the next governorship election, following his 2023 victory under the Labour Party that ended over two decades of Peoples Democratic Party dominance in the state.

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Alex Otti Denies Defection Plans to APC

Alex Otti Denies Defection Plans to APC

Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, has firmly denied reports linking him to a planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Recent reports had alleged that Otti met with Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, to discuss a possible move to the ruling party, following Thursday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. However, in a statement issued on Saturday, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Otti on Media and Publicity, described the claims as “false, baseless, and unfounded.” He clarified that the alleged meeting was misrepresented and had no political undertones. “After the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday, April 24, Governor Otti and a few of his colleagues attended the birthday celebration of Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters — an event that had absolutely nothing to do with politics,” Ekeoma said. He noted that Governor Otti’s “rising profile and performance” as Abia governor may have triggered speculations and political projections from different quarters. Ekeoma stressed that any decision with long-term consequences would be made only in consultation with the people of Abia State and Otti’s close political allies. The statement reiterated that Governor Otti remains fully committed to his mandate and that it would be premature to allow 2027 political calculations to distract from the current focus on governance and service delivery. “We wish to emphatically state that Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is not planning or discussing with anyone about defecting to the APC or any other party,” Ekeoma said. In recent weeks, the ruling APC has attracted several members from major opposition parties, with reports suggesting that more governors and key political figures may also be considering a switch.

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