Why I visited Alex Otti — Uzodinma

The Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, has explained his recent visit to Abia Governor, Alex Otti, saying it was not politically motivated.

Uzodimma’s visit came barely three days after a close ally and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Henry Ikoh, also visited Otti and commended him for his developmental strides in Abia.

Speaking to journalists after the visit, Uzodimma dismissed speculations of political calculations, describing the engagement as a New Year courtesy visit in keeping with the spirit of the season.

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He said governors of the South-East were committed to working together for the development of the region, regardless of party affiliations.

“So, my visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well,” Uzodimma said.

“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here.”

Uzodimma stressed that collaboration among South-East governors remained crucial to regional development.

“We in the South East are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he said.

“As the Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss, share ideas and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive.”

He added that the governors were united in ensuring the South-East remained fully integrated within Nigeria.

“The five of us, governors of the South East, have decided to make sure that the South East is part of Nigeria. And that is what we are working on,” he stated.

Uzodimma, who also serves as Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South-East and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended Otti for what he described as good governance in Abia State.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked Uzodimma for the visit and equally dismissed claims that it was politically driven.

“This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” Otti said.

“But what is most important is that government is one — the national, the sub-national and the local governments.”

He cautioned against equating party differences with opposition.

“You can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of. When people mistake different political parties for opposition, they miss the mark,” Otti said.

“You can disagree, and there are forums for disagreement. But once a decision has been taken, you are part and parcel of that decision.”

Otti reaffirmed that Abia State remains an integral part of Nigeria’s federal structure, stressing that the visit was mainly to exchange New Year goodwill.

The Abia governor, the only one elected on the platform of the Labour Party in the South-East, has continued to attract interest from other political parties.

Former Senate President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Adolphus Wabara, is reported to have made overtures to persuade Otti to join the party. The APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have also been linked to efforts to woo him.

However, Otti has consistently maintained that he remains in the Labour Party, noting that he would only consider other options if the party’s leadership crisis becomes irredeemable.

Uzodimma was accompanied on the visit by former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim. Abia State’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and other members of the state executive council were also present.