Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has urged residents of the state to ignore what he described as recent “tantrums” and political gatherings by opposition figures, insisting that such activities are driven by selfish interests rather than the welfare and progress of Abians.
Governor Otti made the call during a church service at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, headquarters of the Abia North Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Umuahia North Local Government Area, where a newly renovated church building was formally dedicated. The renovation, according to the Governor, was funded from his personal resources and not from government coffers.
Addressing the congregation, the Governor dismissed criticisms and political meetings being organised against his administration, describing them as the actions of individuals who previously had the opportunity to develop Abia State but failed to deliver meaningful progress.
He likened the activities of the opposition to “empty noise,” urging the people not to be distracted by what he characterised as baseless attacks and politically motivated gatherings.
Referring to biblical passages, Governor Otti said such opposition efforts were doomed to fail because they were not guided by divine purpose or the collective interest of the people.
“Some people have made reference to the noise you may have been hearing in recent days,” the Governor said. “I want us to simply dismiss it as noise. It is always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise.”
Quoting from the Book of Isaiah, Governor Otti stated that while people may gather, such gatherings would amount to nothing if they were not ordained by God. He added that those speaking against his administration lacked moral authority, having failed during their own time in public office.
He urged Abians to remain focused and confident in the direction of his administration, stressing that the government would not be drawn into unnecessary political distractions.
According to him, the priority of his administration remains the transformation of Abia State and the improvement of the living conditions of its people, rather than engaging in exchanges with political opponents.
“We should just continue doing what we are doing,” the Governor said. “In everything they do, they are not talking about you, the Abia people; they are talking about themselves. They are a tiny minority, and God does not make mistakes. He does not have an unfinished project.”
Governor Otti assured the congregation that his administration would remain steadfast in its commitment to delivering good governance, adding that no amount of political pressure or criticism would derail the people-centred agenda of his government.
Clarifying reports surrounding the renovation of the church building, Governor Otti explained that the project was not a complete reconstruction but a renovation of an already existing structure. He emphasised that the work was carried out using his personal funds and not government resources.
“It is not correct to say that I did everything,” he said. “The church was standing before now. What we did was a little renovation to make it look better. And it is important for me to re-emphasise that no government money was used here. Government funds are for government business.”
The Governor noted that his support for the church was in line with his long-standing relationship with the Seventh-day Adventist community, recalling that as far back as 2012, he had personally supported fundraising efforts for the construction of the church’s conference office.
He used the occasion to announce the commencement of activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in the state, noting that the programme would culminate on January 15, the official Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Earlier in his sermon, the President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Abia North-Central Conference, Pastor Kennedy Ihuoma, urged members of the congregation to remain faithful to God in all their endeavours.
In a sermon titled “Can I Be a Joseph to Interpret the King’s Dream,” Pastor Ihuoma challenged believers, particularly those in leadership and public office, to emulate the biblical Joseph by offering wise counsel and selfless service.
He recounted how Governor Otti had worshipped in the church in the past and pledged to support the renovation of the building with his personal funds, expressing joy over the quality of work that had been delivered.
Pastor Ihuoma thanked the Governor on behalf of the church leadership and members for fulfilling his promise, praying for continued divine guidance, wisdom and blessings upon him and his administration.
The church dedication ceremony attracted several dignitaries from across the state, including the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Mereibeole; and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, among others.
The event featured the symbolic cutting of the dedication ribbon, special prayers for Governor Otti and members of his cabinet, as well as thanksgiving by church members for what they described as the Governor’s consistent support and commitment to community development.
As political activities gradually intensify across the state, Governor Otti’s remarks are expected to resonate with supporters who view his administration as focused on governance rather than partisan politics, while also setting the tone for how the government intends to respond to opposition criticism in the months ahead.
