By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said the South East governors have not given up on efforts to secure the release of detained IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, revealing that engagements with relevant federal authorities are continuing quietly behind the scenes.
Otti disclosed this at his monthly media conference in Umuahia at the weekend, explaining that the details of the negotiations would remain confidential for now.
Kanu is serving a life sentence after his conviction on terrorism related charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Beyond the Kanu matter, the governor presented a wide ranging scorecard, headlined by a sharp drop in the state’s debt profile, which fell from N147.2 billion in the second quarter of 2023 to N48.6 billion in the second quarter of 2026, a reduction of N98.6 billion.
Otti addressed concerns over rising foreign debt obligations, explaining that the increase reflected drawdowns from existing multilateral facilities, including the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project (ABSIID) and the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP). He insisted his administration had taken no direct loans, and that any future borrowing would be tied strictly to productive investments.
“We will borrow for regenerative projects at the right time,” he said.
On infrastructure, the governor announced that the CKC water scheme in Aba is ready for commissioning, expressing optimism that residents will soon enjoy improved public water supply. He also disclosed that another smart school would be commissioned, bringing the number planned for the state to 21 after approvals for an additional facility.
Otti said his administration was working to standardise education across public and private schools, noting that a committee set up to assess government interventions had recommended measures to promote healthy competition and improve standards.
He further revealed that Abia ranked second in the 2025/2026 Climate Governance Ranking, while over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy had been issued in three years. The new housing project in Umuahia, he added, had been oversubscribed, with balloting for beneficiaries expected to begin soon.
On public health, Otti said the state had activated precautionary measures following Nigeria’s Ebola index case, with an isolation centre designated at the Modern Child Hospital. He stressed that no Ebola case had been recorded in Abia and urged residents to remain calm while observing health protocols.
On eye care, he disclosed that over 31,000 screenings had been conducted and 1,811 patients operated on, including 304 beneficiaries of free cataract surgeries for vulnerable residents. He commended the Eye Care Management Bureau and promised more investment in quality eye care, urging residents to go for screening as early detection helps prevent blindness.
On the planned relocation of traders around Isi Gate in Umuahia, Otti said the exercise would be gradual and that affected traders must be provided alternatives to protect their livelihoods.
He also directed that the N1 billion personal gift he announced for teachers during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day be shared among all teachers in the state, irrespective of rank or position, clarifying that the money was a personal gift and not an official government programme or promotion related benefit.
The governor added that his administration had prioritised road projects according to economic importance and urgency, with major roads in Aba and Umuahia receiving attention because of their impact on businesses, mobility, employment and revenue generation.
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