Abia Lawmaker Defends State Assembly’s Support For Otti, Highlights Achievements
A member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinasa Abiola, who represents Umuahia Central State Constituency, has defended the close collaboration between the legislative arm and Governor Alex Otti’s administration, describing it as a deliberate strategy to fast-track development and uplift the state.
Speaking during an interview with journalists on Thursday, Hon. Abiola dismissed claims that the House is a rubber stamp for the executive, arguing that synergy between the two arms of government is essential for effective governance.
“I feel happy when people say we are a rubber stamp Assembly,” Abiola stated. “The legislative arm of government that always fights with the executive does so at the expense of the masses. Our goal is to develop Abia, not to fight with the executive.”
Highlighting Governor Otti’s achievements, the lawmaker praised what he described as a “new dawn” in the state, citing major infrastructure projects such as the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road.
“Abia is indeed a born-again state under the administration of Dr Alex Otti,” he declared. “We’ve seen a lot of development, and the governor has made it possible. Port Harcourt Road, for instance, has been a major breakthrough for our people.”
Hon. Abiola, who also chairs the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, noted that local councils have been reactivated under the current administration and are now empowered to carry out critical functions.
“The mayors have a role to play, and they can now embark on meaningful projects like the grading of roads within their jurisdictions. That was not the case before,” he said.
Speaking on his legislative contributions, Hon. Abiola listed several bills he has sponsored, aimed at improving key sectors of the state’s economy and administration.
“I’ve sponsored the Educational Reform Bill, the Lottery and Gaming Bill, a bill on land instrument registration, and many others that are currently at various stages of consideration,” he noted.
On constituency development, he reported tangible efforts to improve access to clean water in Umuahia Central.
“We’ve established no fewer than seven functioning boreholes across the constituency to meet the needs of our people,” he said.
On the controversial issue of local government funding, the lawmaker dismissed concerns over executive interference, instead commending Governor Otti’s supervisory role.
“The governor is not interfering with their funds. He’s providing necessary oversight to ensure that what they receive is being used judiciously,” Abiola clarified.
Addressing concerns about the influx of opposition party members, especially from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), into the Labour Party, Hon. Abiola expressed confidence that founding members of the party would not be displaced.
“We are like the foundation of a circle. It’s very difficult for the breeze to blow us away,” he said with conviction.
Hon. Abiola reiterated his commitment to working closely with Governor Otti and his administration for the continued progress of Abia State.
“We’re on the right path. The transformation is evident, and we will continue to support this administration to deliver more dividends of democracy to our people,” he assured.
Abia Lawmaker Defends State Assembly’s Support For Otti, Highlights Achievements is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
