"Plots to Stop Otti Are Dead on Arrival" - Abia Royal Father, Eze Linus Nto Mbah Fires Back at OUK

[caption id="attachment_198210" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Eze Linus Nto Mbah and Governor Alex Otti[/caption]

The royal institution in Abia State has firmly thrown its weight behind Governor Alex Chioma Otti ahead of the 2027 governorship election, in what has emerged as one of the strongest endorsements yet for the Labour Party-led administration.

Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Dr. Linus Nto Mbah (LINTO), on Thursday condemned the recent verbal attacks on Governor Otti by former governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK), declaring that any plot to stop Otti's re-election is already "dead on arrival."

Speaking in reaction to what he described as a politically motivated meeting of some former Abia governors and aides convened by Senator Kalu in Umuahia, Eze Mbah said such efforts amount to an attempt to derail the massive transformation currently going on in Abia State under Governor Otti.

According to the respected monarch, Abians across all zones of the state are already resolved to return Governor Otti in 2027 because of his record of performance, transparency, and people-centered governance.

"The 2027 election is a walkover for Governor Otti. Abians are happy with him. Any plot against him is a plot against the development of Abia State," Eze Linus Nto Mbah declared.

Eze Mbah noted that Governor Otti has restored dignity to governance in Abia State, particularly in the areas of workers' welfare, pension payments, road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and urban renewal.

He stated that pensioners, civil servants, teachers, healthcare workers, and local government staff who were abandoned for years by previous administrations are now receiving their salaries and entitlements regularly, often before the 28th of every month.

The royal father further listed agencies such as ABSUTH, HMB, ASCETA, and LGAs as institutions that have been revived under Otti's leadership, stressing that the relief across the state is visible and measurable.

Responding to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu's claim that Governor Otti is merely "repainting roads," Eze Mbah pointed directly to major road projects in Abia North, including the Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba Road leading to Igbere, Kalu's hometown.

He also highlighted the Omenuko Bridge, Ndiokereke-Abam-Amuvi-Arochukwu Road, and the Ohafia-Ihechiowa-Ututu-Arochukwu Road, all of which had been abandoned for decades, including during Kalu's time as governor, but are now being rebuilt under Otti.

"These projects are not paint. They are concrete evidence of leadership," Eze Mbah said.

The Abia monarch warned politicians against dragging the state backward into the era of unpaid salaries, collapsing infrastructure, and broken institutions.

According to Eze Linus Nto Mbah, Governor Otti has liberated Abia and restored hope through reforms in transportation, environment, education, healthcare, security, urban development, and industrialisation.

He pointed to projects such as the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal, and the new electric buses as proof that Abia is entering a new era of economic and infrastructural revival.

"We will not fold our hands and allow anyone to take Abia back to Egypt. Governor Otti has fixed everywhere," he said.

Eze Linus Nto Mbah therefore urged all Abians to remain united and continue supporting Governor Otti, describing him as an intentional and visionary leader who has lived up to expectations.