DR. G. C. DURU LAUDS OTTI’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

DR. G. C. DURU LAUDS OTTI’S TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP       *CALLS FOR MASSIVE SUPPORT IN 2027

Former Executive Chairman of Aba South Local Government Area and current Commissioner at the Abia State Local Government Service Commission, Dr. G. C. Duru, has described the administration of Alex Chioma Otti as a clear departure from the past, anchored on quality governance, selfless service, and enduring development.

Dr. Duru made this known during a snap interaction with journalists at the flag-off ceremony for the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Enyimba International Hotel, held in Aba on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.

At the event, he shared his views on governance, leadership, and the future of Abia State under Governor Otti.

Explaining his presence at the ceremony, Dr. Duru stated that his attendance was driven by personal conviction and a commitment to public service rather than the attraction of office, status, or material reward.

He disclosed that although some individuals had advised him against accepting his current appointment on the grounds that it was below his status, he chose to do so because he firmly believes that public service is about meaningful contribution to society, not titles or financial gain.

He expressed satisfaction with developments recorded under Governor Otti’s administration, noting that the governor has rewritten the narrative of Abia State and restored Aba’s pride as a commercial centre of both regional and global relevance.

According to him, the reconstruction of the Enyimba International Hotel is a strong indicator of the administration’s development agenda, with wide-ranging benefits such as job creation, tourism growth, increased internally generated revenue, and enhanced investment opportunities.

Dr. Duru explained that the vision he pursued for Aba during his tenure as Executive Chairman of Aba South did not necessarily have to be realized through him personally.

He maintained that when a leader emerges to actualize ideas one has long believed in, the appropriate response is support rather than opposition.

He added that his presence at the ceremony was therefore to publicly identify with and support Governor Otti’s achievements across the state, particularly in Aba and Umuahia, which he said are already witnessing tangible progress.

Reflecting on Abia State’s political journey between 1999 and 2023, Dr. Duru attributed the sharp contrast between previous administrations and the current one to differences in leadership philosophy.

He observed that many past leaders of the state were largely self-serving and disconnected from the needs of the masses.

He recalled his early political career as a councillor in Aba in 1990, during which he challenged what he described as poor governance at the local level—an action that eventually led to the dissolution of the council and the creation of Aba North Local Government Area.

He noted that his refusal to align with corrupt practices denied him personal benefits but reinforced his commitment to principled leadership.

Speaking on the administration of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Dr. Duru stated that despite being well positioned to benefit from the system, he chose instead to oppose corruption.

He explained that this principled stance came at great personal cost, including the loss of his four-star hotel, but affirmed that integrity and honesty remain superior to opportunistic politics and superficial showmanship.

Dr. Duru described durability and quality as defining features of Governor Otti’s leadership, noting that the governor’s projects are not cosmetic interventions but solid investments designed to stand the test of time and serve generations.

Drawing from his own experience as Chairman of Aba South, he cited projects such as York Street, Aba, Aba Town Hall, and the German Floor, which he said have remained intact and functional since he left office in 2006.

He contrasted these with projects executed by successive administrations after that period, many of which, he argued, failed due to poor quality and lack of durability.

According to him, projects being executed by Governor Otti are characterized by strong foundations, quality materials, and professional standards.

He stated that unlike in the past, when newly constructed roads deteriorated rapidly, the current administration’s road projects are solid, concrete-based, and built to last, comparable to the legacy infrastructure associated with the era of the late Sam Mbakwe.

Looking ahead to the 2027 governorship election, Dr. Duru predicted that Governor Otti would secure an overwhelming mandate unmatched in the history of Abia State. However, he cautioned that voters must remain vigilant beyond casting their ballots.

He appealed to the electorate not to abandon polling units after voting, stressing the importance of protecting their votes and safeguarding the democratic process against manipulation.

He expressed confidence that Governor Otti’s performance has largely eliminated the need for aggressive campaigning, as tangible results on the ground would naturally translate into votes.

He maintained that sustained civic vigilance is essential to consolidating the gains already recorded.

Dr. Duru further emphasized that meaningful and sustainable development cannot be driven by one individual alone, noting that effective governance requires synergy between the executive and the legislature at both state and federal levels.

He therefore called on the people of Abia State to elect credible, visionary, and development-oriented leaders into the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, and the Senate, lamenting that despite the influence and resources attached to these offices, many constituencies have little to show due to poor representation.

He affirmed his belief that Governor Otti has even greater plans for the state and urged Abians to support leaders with clear vision, integrity, and purpose to fully realize that future.

Dr. Duru concluded by expressing strong optimism about the future of Abia State—particularly Aba—stating that within the next eight years the state would undergo a remarkable transformation capable of attracting investors, visitors, and indigenes back home, while consolidating its position as a centre of growth and opportunity.