Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has alerted Nigerians that the nation’s economic destiny is linked to their political choices.
Delivering the 5th annual lecture of TheNiche titled “Governing the Economy: Choices, Tradeoffs, and National Priorities,” the Governor asserted that the systemic failures of the past six decades cannot be resolved through “quick fixes” or “magic wands.”
Otti emphasized that the foundation of economic governance is built entirely on the caliber of leadership selected by the people.
He argued that the current economic hardships, including high unemployment and rising poverty, are direct results of political choices made over the last 50 to 60 years.
”If you have behaved badly in over 60 years, it will take you time to correct yourself. Our country has a great destiny… but whether that day will be in this decade or in the coming century or perhaps never will depend largely on what we do in the days and years that follow.”
Otti expressed deep concern over the declining voter turnout in Nigeria, which dropped from 57% in 2011 to less than 30% in 2023. He warned that staying away from the “field of play” only ensures continued deterioration.
According to Otti, active citizenship involves more than just voting; it requires a deep interrogation of candidates’ economic philosophies and leadership credentials.
”The crisis of unemployment, poverty, and the collapse of institutions cannot be separated from citizens’ disinterest in the political affairs of their communities… it is a patriotic duty to our Fatherland that we can no longer shy away from.”
Reflecting on his administration’s journey, Otti cited Abia State as living proof that economic recovery begins with a change in political leadership. He recounted the “devastations of desperate politics” in 2015, where stolen mandates led to the collapse of social services, unpaid entitlements for retirees, and the flight of investors.
He noted that the current resurgence of interest in Abia is not because the state has become “perfect,” but because the leadership disposition has shifted toward transparency and stewardship.
”Investors respond not on emotions, but on hard facts. So have you created the right environment? If you have not created the right environment, businesses will not come.”
He challenged Nigerians to recognize that the ballot paper represents more than just names; it represents the quality of life they will experience in the coming decades.
”This is the best time to take civic education seriously. The citizens must know what issues will be determined at the ballot next year and how all of it is tied to our future. As I had earlier mentioned, poverty and prosperity, employment and joblessness, security and anxiety, prudence and rascality will all be on the ballot in 2027.”
The Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammadu Sanusi II, who chaired the lecture, called on public office holders to view their appointments as opportunities for service rather than avenues for wealth creation.
The former Central Bank Governor emphasized that the true measure of leadership lies in the tangible impact made on the lives of citizens.
”Public service is an honour… If you want to make money, go into business,” Sanusi stated, citing Aliko Dangote as an example of legitimate wealth through entrepreneurship. “You don’t go to be a governor or a minister or a president to make money. That is not where you go to make money.”
Sanusi said if anyone ever had doubts about the qualities of Alex, all he has to do is look at Abia State in the last three years. “You go to Abia today, you see the roads, you see the bridges, you see the electricity, you see the industries. At the end of the day, that is what people remember.”
He added: “You know, I have known Alex for many years and I don’t see many people who are as compelled to speak on the economy.
“Going back to his record as a student, Alex graduated with a first class degree in economics and he was the best graduating student at the University of Port Harcourt. I worked with him in UBA, I worked with him in First Bank…So, I can tell you that the people of Abia made the right choice .”
The Royal Father of the Day, HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), lamented that there is more politics than governance in Nigeria. He noted that this is a problem for the country but expressed hope in Otti’s leadership in Abia State, describing the 24 years prior to Otti’s tenure as wasted.
He warned that those who failed Abia during those 24 years are doing everything possible to stop Otti from completing the job he started, as doing so would expose their own failures.
In his welcome address, Managing Director and Editor-in-chief of TheNiche, Ikechukwu Amaechi, said the newspaper will always anchor its position on the need for social justice, fairness and respect for human and communal rights.
Other speakers at the event included the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero; Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting at the University of Lagos, Dr. Jumoke Ogunleye; accomplished banker, Chief Anogwi Anyanwu; and former military general, Ike Nwachukwu, among others.