Dr. Alex Otti has been sworn in as the 5th democratically elected Governor of Abia State.
He was sworn in before a huge crowd at the Umuahia Township Stadium, by Lilian Abai, the Chief Judge of Abia State.
Otti who contested the governor election on the platform of the Labour Party, LP was sworn in at 12:31 am, four minutes after his Deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu took his oath of office and allegiance.
Speaking after his swearing-in, Otti said there shall be no room for corrupt practices and the full weight of the law shall be deployed in tackling all cases of indiscipline or any act that brings the service into disrepute.
He explained that transparency, accountability, and public trust shall be at the center of everything assuring that his administration will run a responsible and honest government and lead by example. We will not tolerate any form of corruption or stealing of public property, he said.
Otti further said his administration shall be reviewing some of the most recent appointments and promotions made by the previous administration to ensure that persons recruited and promoted have the relevant qualifications and are suitably deployed.
The Abia Governor said he shall in time address the challenge of ghost workers by deploying appropriate technology systems to determine those who had been genuinely employed and those who are actively stealing from the public treasury.
His word, “Within the next few days, I shall create the office of the Ombudsman, which will handle all public complaints. Please do not hesitate to send in all your petitions and grievances to that office for prompt and effective response. Our decisions may not always be popular which is why we shall constantly seek your input and ideas. “