The Abia State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a warning to the governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti of the Labour Party (LP), concerning what it calls “public posturing“. According to the PDP’s Vice Chairman/Acting Publicity Secretary, Abraham Amah, Otti’s actions indicate a lack of understanding of the operational procedures of governance and raise concerns about his administration’s prospects.

One of the activities that the PDP frowns upon is Otti’s inauguration of a 100-man Transition Committee to develop a blueprint he will use to govern the state. The PDP describes this move as inconsistent with governance procedures and suggests that Otti had no prior idea of what he wanted to do in Abia before being elected.

The other activity is Otti’s alleged inspection of both federal and state roads in Aba with a construction company, Julius Berger. The PDP questions the need for such public posturing, asking why Otti would undertake such actions when he would have the opportunity to inspect all the roads in the state for the next four years after assuming office in a few weeks.

The PDP argues that there are established procedures for bidding for road contracts and that the award of contracts must follow due process. According to the PDP, Otti’s actions with Julius Berger appear to be inappropriate, as he has bypassed the stipulated process and is seen to be favouring a particular company over others, thus negating the basic tenet of public procurement.

The PDP warns Otti, who is a novice in government, to understand that his actions could project a conflict of interest, and he must abide by the rules and regulations governing the procurement of government contracts.

In response to the PDP’s warning, Otti has stated that he will not be distracted by baseless criticisms from the PDP. He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Abia State, adding that he would do so with utmost transparency and accountability.

Otti urged the PDP to focus on providing constructive criticisms and suggestions that would help his administration deliver its promises to the people of Abia State. He also assured the people that his administration would be one of inclusiveness, where every citizen would have a say in the affairs of the state.