Otti won on promises in 2023; his 2027 victory ‘ll be landslide on performance – CoS Ajagba

2026-03-14 - 00:46

•Says open critics secretly seek gov’s recognition •Explains why Otti operates from private residence •Speaks on Abia airport project, ‘banana peels’, others By Steve Oko In this exclusive interview, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, says the governor’s performance has already sealed his re-election in 2027. Ajagba argues that Abians can no longer be deceived, insisting that those opposing Otti are the same forces that stagnated the state for decades. Considering your background as a pastor, how are you blending with politics given the notion that politics is murky? I studied Political Science up to PhD level, so I understand the political process. Politics is often described as murky because many decent people avoid it, allowing those without integrity to dominate. Many people see politics as a “dog-eat-dog” arena where individuals seek wealth rather than service. That is why the word “politician” is often associated with corruption. However, everyone working with Governor Otti has come to appreciate that he is different. We do not even see him as a typical politician. Leaving governance to people without godly values has been the undoing of society. Anyone who has no regard for God will also lack regard for humanity. Good governance must be guided by divine principles. What is your message to believers who think Christians should stay away from politics? Wherever I am—behind the pulpit, on the farm, in business, or in public office—I am first a Christian. If I cannot uphold Christian principles here, then even the pulpit will not make me a good Christian. This office is a platform to minister through service. The biblical Paul was a lawyer, Luke was a doctor, David was a shepherd, and Abraham was a cattle owner. Christianity is about impact, not location. How are you dealing with the ‘banana peels’ associated with this office? God prepares you before sending you. The banana peels are tests of discipline. People bring money to influence decisions, but one must understand that they are attracted to the office, not the person. If I step on the peels and fall for that, I will be out of this place. Why people are rushing at me is not necessarily because they like me, it’s because of the position. So if I am out of this place tomorrow, the same people who have been singing Hosanna for me will abandon me. So, that helps me to be very careful. Since I came here, I have not collected a dime from anyone. Anyone entering politics without a verifiable means of livelihood will always fall. I came here as a professional; if I leave tomorrow, I still have something to do. As a pastor and Chief of Staff, do you still have time for the pulpit? Yes, even more than before. His Excellency worships on Saturdays and Sundays. The principles of Christ guide my work. I cannot defraud people or bring shame to the gospel. This position allows me to serve others the way Christ would. How and when did you meet Governor Otti? What attracted you to him? We met during his 2015 governorship campaign. He stood out as someone with a clear understanding of where Abia should go. His manifesto was clear, practical, and visionary. He understands how to harness Abia’s potentials, thinks globally, and demonstrated capacity in the private sector. That same capacity reflects in what he is doing today. At what point did you earn his trust for this position? In 2019, he entrusted his activities in Isiala Ngwa North to me. He values accountability, and I rendered account of every kobo. I believe this appointment is divine providence, combined with his desire for someone that is God-fearing and competent. Some say your principal is a difficult man. How true is that? Those saying that are the same people who mismanaged Abia for 24 years. Is he difficult because he refuses to share money meant for development? If that is what they mean, then that is the kind of “difficult” leader Abia needs. Some former Governors have threatened to sue the Governor for not residing in Government House nearly three years after assuming office? Why is your Principal reluctant to pack into the Government House? A visionary leader sets priorities. Given the massive decay he met, rebuilding roads, schools, and hospitals was more important than renovating the governor’s lodge. He lives in his own house at no cost to the state and does not even collect salary. His office and the lodge are currently being rebuilt. His selflessness should be appreciated, not criticised. Is this decision linked to rumours of mysterious powers at Government House? Which powers? The ones that could not stop him from winning the election? That is a myth. Once the ongoing construction is completed, the governor will relocate. What is your take on threats by former governors to make him a one-term governor? It is laughable. The same people shouting openly are secretly looking for ways to reach us. Some of them are not even sure of winning their own polling units. Are you worried about federal might being used against him? The President is a democrat. Those opposing Otti are businessmen parading as statesmen. Their opposition is not against Otti but against the masses who are enjoying the benefits of good governance. Critics allege that the governor does not disclose project costs. How do you respond? Budgets and performance reports are published yearly. Anyone interested should check the Abia State website or the Ministry of Budget and Planning. Abia does not need senseless opposition. Some 2023 supporters complain about not getting appointments. Will they still support him? Abia was in a coma when Otti came in. Emergency situations require experts, not sentiments. You don’t treat a dying patient with emotions. Not everyone can be appointed at once. He appreciates everyone’s role but prioritised competence. He released about N1 billion as interest-free loans for empowerment, not handouts. Another N2 billion is ready for disbursement. This is sustainable empowerment. Today, salaries are paid, roads and schools are built, and over 200 primary health centres have been retrofitted. Those who failed for 24 years are bitter because they fear political retirement. Abians can no longer be fooled. What are the governor’s strongest selling points for 2027? Free education, revitalised PHCs, massive infrastructure, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, improved power supply, electric buses, and renewed investor confidence. Over 200 Army Generals attended Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika’s birthday in Abia and witnessed the transformation. Abia was exempted during the national grid collapse. The state acquired about 60 per cent equity in the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company. His achievements speak loudly for him. What is the latest on the Abia airport project? We are at the final stage of compensation. About 1,025 hectares were acquired, with over 400 hectares within the runway area fully paid. Fake names were discovered and removed. Landowners now see government sincerity, and work has never stopped. Why such massive land acquisition? The project goes beyond an airport. It includes an Airport City and a five-star hotel. It is designed as a full economic hub. Will Governor Otti seek re-election on the Labour Party platform? The party’s leadership crisis has been resolved. The Nenadi Usman-led National Working Committee is now recognised, and stability has returned. As of now, the governor has not said he is leaving the party. Given the building opposition, will Otti still win massively in 2027 as he did in 2023? In 2023, Otti won on promises. Today, Abians have seen the evidence. If he won then on promises, how much more now on performance? His victory in 2027 will be by landslide. Abians can no longer be deceived. They have seen the light.