Gov Otti Moves To End Culture Of Honouring Questionable Characters

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has faulted the practice of honouring outstanding individuals only after their death, insisting that people of integrity and genuine accomplishments should be celebrated while alive.

Speaking at the 90th birthday celebration of Emeritus Professor Benson Oluikpe in Umuahia, Governor Otti said his administration was working to dismantle what he described as a culture of celebrating fraudsters, drug barons and other questionable characters.

The governor said public recognition should be reserved for people whose achievements and contributions to society inspire others, particularly younger generations, to pursue excellence.

Otti cited the recent celebration of five Abia schoolchildren who emerged champions at an international competition in Qatar, describing the initiative as part of efforts to promote excellence and positive values in the state.

He also recalled how his father questioned him in 1989 over the source of the ₦100 he sent home while working at Citibank, stressing the importance of accountability and integrity.

The governor urged parents to demand explanations from their children about the source of their money.

Earlier, Oluikpe expressed gratitude for the honour, describing Otti as a humble man endowed with wisdom.

He recalled meeting the governor in 2013, when he was still a banker, saying the impression formed during their first encounter influenced his subsequent support for Otti’s political ambition.

Oluikpe also described Otti’s electoral setback in 2015 as a divine postponement of his political moment, while urging public office holders to embrace generosity and use their resources to impact humanity.

He cautioned against sycophancy, urging the governor’s supporters to tell him the truth rather than flatter him.

Responding, Otti said the experience reinforced his belief that God’s timing was always the best.

The governor also announced plans to celebrate another Abia-born professor and inventor based in the United States in December, describing the individual as a globally recognised scientist whose invention helps in accurately targeting cancer cells.

He said the recognition of outstanding Abians would remain open to all, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or place of residence.