EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Gov. Otti Needs People With Capacity, Caliber, Capability As LGA Chairmen - Nwangwa | READ FULL INTERVIEW

During this exclusive interview with High Chief Lawrence Charles Nwangwa, we discussed issues about Abia State, Governor Alex Otti's performance so far, the Port Harcourt Road project, LGA Chairmanship and other issues. This is a must read. - By Emenike Iroegbu

Can we get to meet you, sir?

I am High chief Lawrence Charles Nwangwa. A Chief with multiple awards and honours from my community, Umuomei in Obingwa LGA, of Abia state. I am also a grounded and versatile intellectual, a product of the great University of Lagos.

What do you do for a living?

I am an industrialist. I own an aluminum factory in Obingwa LGA, employing over 100 people directly and indirectly. I am also an investor in real estate with properties in Aba, Port Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja. I am a CBN approved Director of a Financial institution.

How do you access the Governor Alex Otti' led administration in Abia state so far?

It has been a period of expectations and so far the Governor, His Excellency, Dr Alex Otti OFR has not disappointed. Even if I were the Governor, I don't think I would have done anything differently in view of what he met on ground.

How would you react to the opposition on the N30bn Port Harcourt Road-Aba project which has been flagged off by the governor?

https://youtu.be/-Ku5B3Ho47g

First I have not seen the contract papers to verify the amount. And the Government has not given us figures, hence all are speculations. I write and speak based on verifiable facts. At my age and exposure I should be quoted from statements. However, without holding brief for either the Government or the Contractors we must not fail to realise that we have hyperinflation in our economy. People tend to lose sight of the fact that excepting local labour and sand, the rest components in construction consume foreign exchange. Major ingredients in construction are machineries, spare parts, earth, and energy (fuel and lubricants). All these have had their costs tripled.

What is your take on the opposition rejecting governor Otti's offer of the olive branch after the tribunal judgement?

This is not a surprise and should not be perplexing. Traditionally we are 'bad losers' in this part of the world. We are a people of miracle seekers. Most times the opposition reason with their hearts rather than their head.

Another angle is that some of the contestants have sponsors and financiers who continue to lubricate them with funds. The Lawyers too, prod them to seek further legal redress or expedition. Litigation is feast for the lawyers "hence man must wack".

During the recent state wide media interaction with the governor, he assured that LGA leadership would be decided soon. What caliber of people would you suggest should occupy these positions?

People with capacity, caliber and capability. We are where we are today because we missed it in this arm of Government. We left it for touts and thugs. Past administrations treated it with levity and used it to compensate the flotsam and jetsam of the intelligentsia that participated in the electioneering process. They forgot that this very unit is the most important arm of Government.

The LG Chairmanship whether transitionary or substantive (elected) must be occupied with people of proven integrity, intellectual capacity, solid personal achievement, philanthropist and desire to serve without pecuniary interest or profit in mind. It should not be job for the boys.

Are there areas you think the governor needs more improvement?

It's still too early. If not that the Governor is someone that came prepared, what he met on ground is enough to not just jolt him, but usher permanent confusion. So far he is taking the right steps and we will get to our destination.

Can you tell us the true position of political issues with the Obingwa Labour Party family?

During the last election I identified with Labour party in line with every progressive Nigerian.

Am also happy and proud of what they achieved in Abia state being the only state with a Labour party Governor in the whole Nigeria. Even happier with the fact that the Governor Labour party gave us, Dr Alex Otti OFR, has been the man the state desired for a long time to occupy the position.

For now the Labour party should be in the hands of politicians. I can only seize the opportunity to appeal to all and sundry to support the Government of Dr Alex Otti OFR for the Benefits of Abia state.

Obingwa LGA is like a potpourri.

I won't comment on issues affecting Labour Party in Obingwa for my status transcends parochial local government party politics. At the appointed time, Obingwa will be like a calmed nerve. Presently the Governor is focused on giving Abia a proper footing or pad to take off to greater heights.

https://youtu.be/wrvCQln5cxI