The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has declared that those campaigning to take over from Governor Alex Otti, OFR, in 2027 are wasting their time, insisting that the Governor’s remarkable achievements in just two years have already campaigned for him.
The Bishop made the remarks on Sunday, 17th August 2025, when he hosted Governor Otti to a thanksgiving lunch at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia, to mark the Governor’s second anniversary in office.
The revered cleric said that things he never thought possible in Abia have now been achieved under Governor Otti.
Quoting his earlier message to the Governor, Bishop Ukpong said:
“For the first time, Abians are proud to be Abians. The stories of transformation in Aba are everywhere. Even Bishop Echema of Aba Diocese has confirmed it. Keep it up.”
He singled out the rehabilitation of the Igwu (Omenuko) Bridge, describing it as a nightmare that had lasted for decades until Governor Otti’s intervention.
“Since I became an adult, once you reached Igwu Bridge, the journey became scary. But today, nobody is scared of the bridge again. What I thought was impossible in my lifetime has become possible.”
The Bishop recalled his “ugly experience” traveling to Arochukwu in 2018, describing the journey as a “big nightmare” because of the terrible road network.
However, on a pastoral visit earlier this year, he was amazed that the same route had been fixed by the Otti administration.
“From Amuvi Arochukwu to Igwu Bridge, I spent only 25 minutes. I couldn’t believe it. The saying that there is no easy road to Aro has been destroyed. There are good roads to Aro now. Thank you, Your Excellency.”
Bishop Ukpong went further to say that even comedians now joke that anyone contesting the 2027 governorship election in Abia State is wasting their time.
“The Governor has campaigned for himself already through good works. Abians will vote for him, except those who don’t like good things.”
He jokingly added that if Nigeria’s constitution permitted, Otti deserved a third and fourth term in office.
In his response, Governor Otti expressed deep gratitude to the Bishop for hosting him and for the massive support the church gave during his campaigns.
He emphasized that leadership must remain about stewardship and service:
“Anytime leadership moves away from service, it becomes self-serving. We met terrible situations on the ground, but instead of complaining, we are using the little resources available to fix things. In just two years, we have repaid nearly 60% of inherited debts, carried out key projects, and done it all without borrowing a kobo.”
On the recently approved $263 million loan facility from the African Development Bank and other international partners, Governor Otti clarified that the funds would only be drawn when necessary and would be managed prudently to expand people-centered projects.
Also present at the thanksgiving lunch were:
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Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu
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Deputy Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Okezie Nmerigini
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Hon. Chinasa Anthony Abiola (Umuahia Central Constituency)
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Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba (Ph.D.)
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Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna
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Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu
among other senior government officials.
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