Alex Otti, Governor of Abia state, has said he has no intention of running for the senate after the completion of his eight-year tenure.
Gatekeepers News reports that while speaking on Saturday at a reception held in his honour by Anambra Development Unions Association, Aba branch, Otti dismissed the rumors as “unfounded” and “misleading”.
He said, “When I finish my eight years here, I will retire. I am not going to Abuja.”
He urged critics to refrain from spreading falsehoods adding that the political space should be opened for younger Nigerians.
The Governor said, “We are no longer that young. Society is changing, and the young ones are rising. It’s time we give them the opportunity.”
Otti further spoke about plans to revisit the 2011 disengagement of 154 civil servants, most of whom were teachers.
The Governor noted that he had directed the head of service to conduct an urgent review of the matter and propose possible remedies.
He said those below the age of 65 might be re-engaged on a contract basis, particularly to address the shortage of teachers in the state.
Otti expressed approval of the disengagement, which was reportedly based on state of origin, describing it as “unjust” and “illegal”.
He added, “For those outside the age bracket, we’ll find fair compensation mechanisms.”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to justice, inclusion, and correcting the wrongs of past administrations.
