Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has revealed that his administration has “literally abolished State of origin” in the state’s public policy, in a move he says is aimed at promoting unity, equality, and inclusivity among Nigerians.
Governor Otti made this known on Monday at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, when he received members of the Muslim community who paid him Sallah homage to mark the Eid El Fitr celebration.
Speaking during the visit, the governor emphasised that his administration does not operate based on religious, ethnic, or gender lines and attributed discrimination to ignorance.
“I think it is lack of understanding that makes people begin to kill each other and to discriminate. If we understand clearly that God created us equally, then some of the problems we are seeing, we won’t see them,” he said.
“So, if you discriminate, you will shortchange yourself. You will make it difficult for you to reap the full benefits that were deposited in every human being. That is why our administration does not discriminate. I am sure you are aware that our Head of Service is from Edo State.
“We have literally abolished the State of origin here. So, if you live here and you are a good citizen of the country and you pay your taxes here and contribute to the development here, you are from here,” Gov. Otti stated.
The governor, while congratulating the Muslim faithful on the completion of their Ramadan fast, highlighted that the Eid El Fitr celebration coincided with the Christian Lenten period, reinforcing the message of spiritual reflection and unity across religious boundaries.
Governor Otti also used the occasion to announce that the reconstruction of Ohanko Road in Aba, being done with cement pavement technology for durability, would be completed by the end of April.
Addressing the concerns of the Muslim community over their revoked cemetery land in Umuahia, he assured them that his government would look into the issue.
“We will investigate and find out what the issue was with a view to resolving it,” he assured.
In his remarks, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Azubuike Ihejirika, also present at the event, reiterated the need for tolerance across religious and ethnic divides as a foundation for lasting peace and national unity.
The Chief Imam of Abia State, Sheikh Ali Ukiwo, explained that the Sallah marks the end of 30 days of fasting and prayers, during which the Muslim community prayed for the peace of the state and the success of the Otti administration.
He thanked the governor for sponsoring their Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, adding that the Muslim community was hopeful and confident in his leadership. “We thank God for using Governor Otti to restore the hope of Abians,” he said.
In their joint remarks, the Sarki Hausa of Umuahia and Chairman of the South-South, South East Traditional Rulers Council, Sarki Yaro Danladi, and his Aba counterpart, Sarki Shehu Bello, praised the governor for the infrastructural changes witnessed in Aba and beyond, but urged government intervention to decongest the city’s commercial hub.
The visit was attended by senior government officials and members of the Muslim community across Abia State.
