The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II has declared that the transformation recorded in Abia state under Governor Alex Otti has attracted attention beyond Nigeria.
Sanusi made the comment on Thursday at the 2025 Atani Day celebration held at the Atani Community School field in Arochukwu local government area, where he attended the event alongside Otti.
His words: “I like to congratulate Dr. Otti for all the work he has done in Abia. I’m sure for those of you in Abia, nobody needs to tell you. But you will want to know that even outside Abia and outside Nigeria, everyone has taken note of the great transformation of the last two years.
“I’ll like to congratulate Governor Otti for his work & to pray that he will continue to deliver for the people. And, I’m proud to be a member of his international economic advisory Board (Council).”
The Emir, who arrived in Abia on December 23, also commended the cultural displays at the event and urged Nigerians to continue building unity across ethnic and regional divides.
“This is my first time at this event and I am most impressed by the cultural display. I bring you goodwill and good tidings from the good people of Kano and I hope that we will continue to build these bridges across the Niger, to hold hands and remain brothers and sisters, citizens of one great country,” he said.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti described Sanusi as a longtime friend, saying their relationship dates back over two decades.
“Sometimes, when people are politicising ethnicity and tribalism, it’s because they don’t have any argument. If you have an argument to make, it shouldn’t be about ethnicity and religion,” the governor said.
Otti recalled Sanusi’s experiences as a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor and traditional ruler, urging residents to remain resilient in the face of challenges.
“You can suspend me but you can’t suspend the truth,” Otti said, recalling Sanusi’s words at the time of his removal as CBN governor.
The governor assured residents that his administration would not disappoint them and said his government remains focused on service delivery.
“We are not afraid, the people that brought us to power are still there, and they are the ones that will write the testimonial at the end of the day,” Otti said.
He apologised to residents for inconveniences caused by ongoing construction works and said contractors had been directed to accelerate delivery.
Otti said his administration has consistently dedicated between 15 and 20 percent of annual budgets to healthcare and education over the past two years.
