The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, has declared that Abia State is “not for sale,” insisting that the state will not return to what he described as years of decay and misgovernance under past administrations.
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Onwusibe, who represents Isiala Ngwa North/South Federal Constituency, made the declaration while assessing the performance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, which he said has brought a clear departure from over two decades of infrastructural neglect and weak governance in the state.
According to him, Abia State endured severe decline between 1999 and 2023, marked by poor service delivery, dilapidated infrastructure, unpaid salaries and pensions, low public trust, and allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
“The decay witnessed during that period earned Abia the unfortunate label of one of the worst-governed states in the country,” Onwusibe said. “Civil servants were owed months of salaries, while pensioners suffered untold hardship, with many dying in penury after years of service to the state.”
He noted that the emergence of Governor Otti ushered in a new governance approach, driven by strategic planning, transparency, and institutional reforms, which he said have repositioned Abia on the path of growth and credibility.
Onwusibe highlighted infrastructural development as one of the most visible achievements of the current administration, pointing to massive road construction projects that have improved connectivity, especially in rural communities, and stimulated local economic activities.
He also commended the government for restoring sanity in the public service through the clearance of salary and pension arrears, timely payment of workers’ wages, and the introduction of benefits such as the 13th-month salary.
“The clearing of pension arrears and regular payment of salaries have restored confidence in governance and dignity to public service,” he added.
The lawmaker further cited improvements in healthcare, education, human capital development, employment, civil service reforms, fiscal discipline, and overall governance standards as evidence that the state is experiencing a significant turnaround within two years.
Onwusibe said the impact of these reforms has attracted widespread praise for the administration both within and outside the state, including among Abians in the diaspora.
He warned residents to be wary of critics of the current administration, alleging that some of them are motivated by personal interests rather than the welfare of the state.
“Abia has seen the light, and we resolve never to return to darkness,” he declared. “Our support for Governor Alex Otti’s second tenure is non-negotiable.”
Onwusibe called on Abians to unite in protecting the gains of the current administration and resist what he described as forces that previously held the state back for 24 years.
