The immediate past Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area (LGA), Mr Newman Azu, has applauded Gov. Alex Otti for his achievements as Abia marks its 35th anniversary.
Azu, in an interview with newsmen, said it was the highest honour of his life to be appointed by Otti as the first mayor of Ukwa West.
He said it was unique in Nigerian politics for someone living abroad to be called home to serve directly.
He stated that he and other pioneer mayors gave their best to change the narrative of governance in the state.
He said the Otti administration was being celebrated both in Nigeria and abroad for its style of leadership.
Azu noted that the government had made remarkable impact in infrastructure, access roads, power supply, health and education.
He added that Abia had become a reference point for good governance under the current administration.
He prayed that God would guide the Governor and give him wisdom to continue on the same path.
On Ukwa West, he said the area, as Abia’s only oil-producing LGA, still faced peculiar challenges from oil extraction.
He said the government, through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, had initiated futuristic projects like the Abia Industrial Innovation Park in Owaza.
He noted that the Obehe to Owaza road was the first standard road delivered in Ukwa West by the present administration.
Azu said renovations of schools and primary health centres were ongoing, but more was needed due to decades of neglect.
He expressed hope that more development would come to the local government in the coming years.
Speaking on his achievements, Azu said his 11 months in office were challenging but impactful.
He said his administration changed the face of the council and built a new police station of international standard.
He added that the High Court and Customary Court were rehabilitated during his tenure.
Azu said his administration intervened in water supply and restored electricity to some communities by paying outstanding bills.
He said all the projects were visible across the local government.
On his next move, he said he had returned to private business and grassroots political mobilisation.
He said political activities had started and he was actively supporting the re-election of Otti.
Azu declared that the slogan in Ukwa West was “It’s Otti or Nothing” and the area was secured for “four over four.”
He said Labour Party structures in the area were fully on ground and there was no shaking.
For Abia at 35, he said the state, created on Aug. 27, 1991, was in safe hands and running on “autopilot” because of the Governor’s quality.
He urged Abia residents to relax, saying the state was “cruising at high altitude with no stopping.”
