Chidi Odinkalu, a distinguished legal scholar, human rights advocate, and public intellectual, has scored Alex Otti, governor of Abia State, high on transforming various sectors of the state’s economy within the past three years.
He said that he could be used as a reference point for broader governance lessons in Nigeria.
Odinkalu, former chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, stated this on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, Ogurube, Umuahia, while delivering a keynote lecture, during the Abia Anniversary Lecture organised by the State Government to commemorate the third year anniversary of Governor Otti-led administration.
He said that Otti’s government had restored legitimacy to governance in the state because it emerged from what he called, a legitimate mandate, adding that the improved road infrastructure, security, electricity and healthcare services have significantly transformed the state.
The keynote speaker noted that for nearly 24 years, Abia suffered what he described as “desgobierno”, a Spanish expression, meaning “ungovernment”.
He further added that the development strides recorded in the State in the three years has gone beyond tangible infrastructural projects to reflect the restoration of dignity, hope and trust in governance.
“I want to be very clear. Projects matter, but projects will not last if the people do not have a sense of ownership. And that is why investment in the people is where it all begins.
“You cannot be perpetrating evil against your own people and at the same time, accusing Nigeria of marginalizing them,” Odinkalu stated.
Read also: Otti flags-off construction of Abia specialist hospital
This post was originally published on this site.
