‘Nnenna Oti Saved Abia in 2023’ — Gov Alex Otti Honours Outgoing FUTO VC With Major Landmark

Governor Alex Otti has declared that Abia State’s political and developmental transformation may never have happened without the courage displayed by Professor Nnenna Oti during the controversial 2023 governorship election.

The governor made the emotional remark while commissioning the newly completed Professor Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia, a massive transport facility named after the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

Speaking before government officials, party supporters and residents, Otti credited Professor Oti’s role as Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election for preserving the integrity of the electoral process at a tense moment in Abia’s political history.

“Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history. By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” the governor said.

The statement reflects a growing belief among many residents that her refusal to allegedly bow to pressure during the final collation of results paved the way for what supporters now describe as a “new Abia.”

During the heated 2023 election collation process, reports of intimidation, threats and attempts to influence the outcome dominated public discussions. However, Professor Oti insisted only verified results would be accepted, a decision many believe altered Abia’s political direction permanently.

Three years later, the Otti administration says the effects of that election outcome can now be seen through ongoing infrastructure projects, urban renewal programmes, transport reforms and road reconstruction across the state.

The newly commissioned transport terminal stands as one of the administration’s biggest infrastructure projects so far. Designed to accommodate more than 340 buses at once, the facility includes over 62 air conditioners, 30 public conveniences, shops, commercial spaces, a restaurant and motel facilities.

Governor Otti described the terminal as part of a broader transportation reform initiative aimed at building a modern and organised transport system in Abia State.

According to him, the government has already deployed 20 electric buses for intra-city and inter-city operations, while additional buses are expected to arrive soon.

Beyond the transport terminal, the administration also commissioned multiple road projects across Umuahia North and South Local Government Areas to mark Otti’s third anniversary in office.

Some of the roads commissioned include the Orpet–Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Ndume Road, Madonna Hospital Road, Library Avenue Road, Nsukwe–Umuogo Road and the reconstructed Tower–Onuimo Road.

The governor also announced that the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road would now bear the name of late elder statesman Chief JOJ Okezie, while the dualised Tower–Onuimo Road was renamed Uma Ukpai Way in honour of renowned evangelist Uma Ukpai.

Speaking during the ceremony, Otti said the goal of his administration is to ensure visitors entering Abia immediately experience the difference through visible infrastructure and improved public services.

For many residents, however, the celebration surrounding Professor Nnenna Oti goes beyond politics or road projects. To them, she has become a symbol of integrity, courage and resistance against electoral compromise.

In her response, Professor Oti thanked the Abia State Government for the recognition and maintained that public officials must always stand for truth regardless of pressure or intimidation.

She insisted that her role in the 2023 election was simply about ensuring that the votes of Abians counted.