Governor Alex Otti has said the recognition accorded to Nnenna Oti goes beyond her personality and represents all Nigerians who stood firmly against electoral manipulation during the 2023 general election.
Speaking during the unveiling of a new transport terminal in Abia State, Otti praised Prof. Oti for what he described as her courageous commitment to truth and democratic values during the election process.
According to the governor, her conduct served as a reminder that ordinary citizens could make extraordinary impacts by refusing to compromise their integrity.
“In 2023, through her courageous disposition of standing firmly by the truth… she reminded us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply saying no,” Otti stated.
The governor further explained that the honour was symbolic of the sacrifices and dedication of several individuals and institutions that ensured the credibility of the electoral process.
“So she’s just a representative of all of you INEC staff who never bent, party officials who didn’t give in, security agencies… people who said no to intimidation,” he added.
Otti delivered the remarks during a speech titled “Raising The Bar”, where he highlighted the achievements of his administration in transforming urban transportation and infrastructure across the state.
He said the newly commissioned transport terminal reflected the government’s commitment to building a modern and integrated transport system capable of meeting the growing demands of residents and commuters.
“The days of playing small is over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins,” the governor declared.
According to him, the facility was designed to accommodate more than 340 buses and would significantly improve accessibility, efficiency and safety within the state’s transportation network.
The governor also disclosed that the state government had introduced electric bus services as part of efforts to modernise public transportation and reduce operational inefficiencies.
He revealed that 20 electric buses were already operational, while additional units would be delivered in phases to expand the service.
“Services will keep improving as more buses are delivered… and you can tell with accuracy when a particular bus will arrive and depart,” he said.
Otti urged residents to protect public infrastructure and support government policies through responsible conduct, including proper waste disposal and prompt payment of taxes.
He warned against acts of vandalism and other activities capable of undermining the project, stressing that offenders would be sanctioned accordingly.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Chimezie Ukaegbu, described the transport terminal as a major milestone in the state’s transport reform programme.
According to him, the project would help reduce traffic congestion, improve commuter safety and stimulate economic activities within the state.
In her remarks, Prof. Oti said she merely acted in line with her principles and conscience during the 2023 election.
“I simply did what I’ve done all my life to do the right thing… the mandate of the people must stand,” she stated.
The event also featured a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Sonny Onwuma.
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