Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on residents of the state to ignore what he described as unnecessary noise and meetings by opposition political actors, noting that those making the loudest criticisms are the same individuals who had 24 years to develop Abia State but failed to deliver meaningful progress. According to the governor, their current activities are driven by personal interests rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people.

 

Governor Otti made the remarks on Saturday at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, Umuahia, during the dedication ceremony of the church building, which recently underwent renovation. The governor explained that the refurbishment was carried out through his personal effort and not with public funds.

 

During the church service, one of the pastors, Pastor Uguru Aji, referenced ongoing social media attacks and political agitation against the governor, advising him not to allow such distractions to derail his focus on governance.

 

Responding, Governor Otti dismissed the opposition’s gatherings as inconsequential, describing them as a failed project and likening their actions to empty barrels that make the loudest noise.

 

He urged the congregation to see the situation as mere background noise, citing biblical passages to support his position. According to him, scripture teaches that gatherings not ordained by God would ultimately scatter and fail. He further referenced the book of Lamentations, questioning the authority of those who speak without divine backing.

 

The governor emphasized that his administration would not be distracted by political distractions but would instead remain committed to transforming the state. He noted that the opposition’s discussions focus more on themselves than on the people of Abia, adding that they represent only a small fraction of the population.

 

Governor Otti reassured the congregation that there was no cause for concern, stressing that God does not abandon His projects halfway and that Abians should remain confident in the ongoing work of his government.

 

Clarifying his role in the church renovation, the governor stated that he did not rebuild the structure from scratch but rather supported the renovation of an already existing building to improve its appearance. He firmly noted that no government funds were used for the project, reiterating that public resources are strictly reserved for official government responsibilities.

 

He explained that his ability to support such initiatives stems from his personal life outside public office, reminding members that he had previously contributed to church development efforts, including leading a fundraising drive for the church’s conference office in 2012.

 

The governor also used the occasion to announce the commencement of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which will culminate on January 15.

 

Earlier in his sermon, the President of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Abia North–Central Conference, Pastor Kennedy Ihuoma, encouraged members to remain faithful to God in all their endeavors. Titled “Can I Be a Joseph to Interpret the King’s Dream?”, the sermon challenged believers, particularly those in leadership and public service, to provide wise counsel and guidance in their respective roles.

 

Pastor Ihuoma recounted how Governor Otti had worshipped at the church and pledged to renovate the building using his personal funds, expressing gratitude for the quality of work carried out. On behalf of the church leadership and congregation, he thanked the governor and prayed for continued divine blessings upon him.

 

The dedication ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole; and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, among others. The event featured the cutting of a dedication ribbon and special prayers for the governor and members of his cabinet.