Abia State Governor Alex Otti on Monday swore in the 17 newly elected Local Government chairmen, urging them to prioritize an “Abia first” vision in their leadership and drive socio-economic transformation across the state’s LGAs.
The elections were held last Saturday, with 15 candidates from the Zenith Labour Party and two from the Young Progressives Party emerging victorious.
The newly sworn-in local government chairmen include Timothy Iheke for Aba North (ZLP), Anyanwu Obilor for Aba South (ZLP), Okereke Ezearo for Arochukwu (ZLP), Uwabunkeonye Bassey for Bende (ZLP), Dr. Anthony Nwaubani for Ikwuano (ZLP), Innocent Uruakpa for Isialangwa North (ZLP), Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu for Isialangwa South (ZLP), Chinedu Ekeke for Isuikwuato (ZLP), Maxwell Nwadike for Obingwa (ZLP), Eleanya Oju-Kalu for Ohafia (ZLP), Chidi Christian Agu for Osisioma (YPP), Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara for Ugwunagbo (YPP), Chibunna Akara for Ukwa East (ZLP), Pastor Dike Nwankwo for Ukwa West (ZLP), Smart Ihuoma for Umuahia North (ZLP), Chinwendu Enwereuzo for Umuahia South (ZLP), and Sunday Afuruike for Umunneochi (ZLP).
In his address, titled “Development and A New Philosophy of Leadership,” Governor Otti challenged the newly elected officials to address persistent challenges in their communities. “While you may have emerged from different political platforms, the agenda remains the same: Abia first,” he stated. “We have set the pace at the state level, and my expectation is that you will carry forward the vision of socio-economic transformation in your respective LGAs.”
Otti emphasized the need for progress in key areas such as water access, healthcare, education, road maintenance, and security.
He expressed hopes that within six months, communities would begin to experience measurable improvements, especially benefiting women, youth, and the vulnerable.
“Our people should be able to see the impact of your leadership through measurable improvements in their living conditions,” he added.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, the Abia State Electoral Commission formally presented Certificates of Return to the 17 chairmen at its Umuahia headquarters.
The ABSIEC Chairman, Professor George Chima, encouraged the newly elected officials to align with Governor Otti’s developmental vision, stating that Abia State needs “holistic representation and good governance.”
Speaking on behalf of the newly elected officials, Chinedu Ekeke, the Mayor of Isuikwuato, pledged to uphold Governor Otti’s vision for Abia State.
Additionally, Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu, the Mayor of Isialangwa South, assured his constituents of significant strides in health, agriculture, infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment, while commending the governor’s work across the state.
