Former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Friday described Governor Alex Otti of Abia State as a “miracle worker” for his strides in infrastructure development amid harsh economic realities in the country.
Obasanjo made the remark while commissioning the newly reconstructed 46.3-kilometre Joe Irukwu Way, a roadway traversing Umuahia North, Bende, and Ohafia Local Government Areas. The road, formerly known as the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Ozuitem–Lohum–Nkpa–Umuimenyi–Isuikwuato–Alayi–Item–Igbere–Abiriba Road, was renamed in honour of the late elder statesman and insurance icon, Professor Joe Irukwu (SAN), a native of Abia.
Reflecting on a past journey through the now-refurbished route, Obasanjo recounted, “I travelled on this road to Abiriba myself and it was a hellish experience. I spent hours on the road.”
“But when I was informed that the road you constructed could take me from Umuahia to Abiriba in just 45 minutes, I said to myself, this man, Alex Otti, is indeed a miracle worker.”
The former president commended the governor’s commitment to efficient governance, describing his leadership style as visionary, disciplined, and devoid of corruption and wastage. Obasanjo stressed that such leadership qualities are rare and must be cherished.
“Leadership should be about vision, contentment, and discipline. In Dr Alex Otti, we have found a man of great quality. When the time comes for elections, my advice is simple: don’t change a winning horse,” Obasanjo said, urging the electorate to resist the urge to take effective governance for granted.
He called on politicians across party lines to support leaders who prioritize good governance, saying, “A political party is just a platform. What matters most is the quality of the man.”
Obasanjo encouraged the governor to remain steadfast in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Abia.
Governor Otti’s leadership has drawn applause even from opposition quarters. Earlier, President Bola Tinubu also lauded his developmental efforts in the state.