From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Nigeria Citizens Watch for Good Governance (NCWGG) has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to prioritise governing the state rather than criticising his predecessor, Victor Ikpeazu.
In a statement released yesterday, NCWGG spokesperson Maduka Samuel said the call was prompted by what he termed “unverifiable claims” by Governor Otti regarding fictitious contracts awarded by Ikpeazu for the construction of the state airport.
Samuel challenged Governor Otti to “provide the names of the so-called contractors and publish detailed and accurate reports of all the alleged wrongdoings.”
The statement praised Ikpeazu’s record, claiming he was “elected twice by his people” due to “the great achievements he brought” to Abia State.
NCWGG condemned Otti’s criticisms as “slanderous” and “an act of character assassination” against Ikpeazu. They further criticised Otti for focusing on the past, stating: “It is absurd that a sitting Governor who has barely spent a year in office… is running around making speeches and giving fake statistics.”
The statement accused Otti of prioritising self-promotion over service: “Governor Otti is not here to serve his people, but to provide unsubstantiated claims. This is very pathetic and heartbreaking.”
NCWGG concluded by urging Otti to focus on governing: “Governance is a continuous process… We expect him to continue on the projects Ikpeazu has started, to consolidate and even initiate more projects…” They advised Otti to concentrate on his own performance, stating: “You have less than three years in office to do your best and show Abians that you deserve a second term.”