Democracy Day: Abia Has Found New Hope Under Otti, Says Green-Amakwe

As Nigerians marked this year’s Democracy Day, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Abia State on Investment Promotion and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), High Chief J. N. Green-Amakwe, has said the people of Abia have every reason to celebrate, citing what he described as a remarkable turnaround in the state’s fortunes since 2023.

Green-Amakwe said Democracy Day means more than a commemoration of Nigeria’s democratic journey for Abians, noting that it has become a symbol of renewal, hope and a new era of responsible governance under Governor Alex Chioma Otti.

According to him, the state has witnessed significant progress in the last three years, with governance becoming more accountable and development-focused.

“Today, as Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day, Abians have even greater reasons to celebrate. For us, this day goes beyond democracy. It represents hope renewed, responsible leadership and the emergence of a new Abia built on accountability, development and service to the people,” he said.

Reflecting on the state’s past, Green-Amakwe noted that many Abians endured years of unfulfilled promises and underdevelopment before the current administration came into office.

He said the emergence of Governor Otti and his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, in 2023 marked a major turning point in the state’s history.

“For many years, our people longed for change. They wanted a government that would put the interests of the people first. The coming of Governor Alex Otti brought that hope and set Abia on a new path of progress,” he stated.

Green-Amakwe also recalled the sacrifices made by members of the campaign team and supporters who worked tirelessly to make the change possible.

He paid tribute to the late Hon. Nnanna Ngwu, who chaired the campaign structure, and Hon. Acho Obioma, who served as Director-General, while acknowledging the contributions of coordinators, stakeholders and supporters across the state’s three senatorial zones and seventeen local government areas.

The Special Adviser said the success being recorded today was made possible by the collective efforts of many individuals who remained committed to the vision of a better Abia despite challenges along the way.

“The campaign structure that laid the foundation for this transformation was chaired by the late Hon. Nnanna Ngwu of blessed memory, while Hon. Acho Obioma served as Director-General. I had the privilege of coordinating Abia Central Zone, while Dr. C. Okwuonu coordinated Abia South. The efforts in Abia North were collectively driven by committed stakeholders who understood the urgency of the mission before us,” Green-Amakwe noted.

“Other distinguished members of the campaign family included Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, Mike Akpara, Rtd. Navy Captain McDonald Uba, Ishmael Onuoha, Prince Okey Kanu, Ogbonna Okereke, High Chief Victor Ikeji, Mrs. Magdalene Ugoanusi, Uloaku Iheanacho, Dike Nwankwo, Uche Nwosu, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Ottah Kalu (OTK), Dr. Nwokocha O. Eze, Ceekay Igara, Fr. Chris Anukuru, Rtd. Col. Ezichi Kalu, and our devoted coordinators across the seventeen local government areas whose immense contributions remain invaluable to this success story.”

He commended Governor Otti’s leadership, describing it as focused, disciplined and driven by a genuine desire to transform the state.

“Governor Otti inspired a movement that has now translated into visible progress across Abia. Today, people can see the difference. Confidence in government has been restored and hope has returned to many communities,” he said.

While thanking God for what he described as a new chapter in the state’s history, Green-Amakwe urged Abians to remain committed to the values that have driven the state’s transformation, including integrity, transparency, discipline and selfless service.

He stressed that the achievements recorded so far belong not only to the government but also to every Abian who believed that the state could be better.

“This transformation belongs to all of us. It belongs to every Abian and every friend of the state who refused to give up on the dream of a better future. Together, we have shown that Abia can be defined by excellence, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.

He called for continued unity and support for the administration’s vision, saying the gains already recorded must be protected and sustained for future generations.

Green-Amakwe congratulated Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu, members of the administration, stakeholders, grassroots mobilizers and the people of Abia State on the occasion of Democracy Day, and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity in the state.