Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has stated that he has no plans to contest for a Senate seat after completing what he described as an “eight-year” tenure in office. Speaking on Saturday during a reception organised in his honour by the Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch, Otti dismissed recent speculations about his future political ambitions, labelling them as “unfounded” and “misleading”.
“When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja,” Otti said, adding that his focus remains on serving the people of Abia State rather than pursuing another political office.
He urged critics to stop spreading “falsehoods” and called for a more inclusive political landscape that prioritises opportunities for younger Nigerians. “We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity,” he said.
The governor also addressed the long-standing issue of the 2011 disengagement of 154 civil servants in the state, most of whom were teachers. He said he had instructed the head of service to urgently review the circumstances surrounding the matter and recommend possible remedies.
Otti indicated that those affected who are still under the age of 65 may be re-engaged on a contract basis, particularly to help tackle the shortage of teachers across the state. He described the disengagement, which was reportedly based on state of origin, as “unjust” and “illegal”.
“For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms,” he assured, reiterating his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and addressing what he called “the wrongs of past administrations.”