OTTI’S ACHIEVEMENTS WILL SPEAK FOR HIM IN 2027 — CATHOLIC BISHOP
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By:Aminat Tajudeen
The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has described Abia State Governor Alex Otti as a leader of integrity, saying his achievements will speak for him as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Bishop Echema made the remarks on Sunday at the Christ the King Cathedral (CKC), Asa Road, Aba, while welcoming and appreciating Governor Otti, priests, Catholic faithful and other guests who gathered to mark his 40th priestly anniversary.
The bishop also thanked the governor for his decision to support the construction of a retirement home for priests in the diocese, noting that he had raised the issue with Otti about three months earlier.
Addressing the governor, Echema said, “I mentioned that day that I am dealing with a governor with integrity. And I have no fear of any contradiction to repeat it here. We are dealing with a man with integrity. If you are in doubt, you go to Aba. He is a man of integrity.”
The bishop said Otti’s achievements in office would serve as his campaign ahead of the 2027 election, adding that he did not need to campaign for the governor.
“I am telling you, Otti, I have said it before, I am not campaigning for you and I don’t need to campaign for you. The work that you have done so far will campaign for you,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to the governor for agreeing to build the retirement home, saying the gesture would ease the burden on the diocese.
Echema thanked God for sustaining him throughout his 40 years of priestly service and appreciated the bishops, priests, Catholic faithful and other guests who attended the celebration.
In his remarks, Otti congratulated Bishop Echema on his 40th priestly anniversary and prayed for God to continue to bless and preserve him.
The governor described the bishop as a rare gift to Nigeria and thanked God for sustaining him throughout his years of service.
Otti recalled that Echema had earlier approached him about the need for a retirement home for Catholic priests, bishops, reverend fathers and religious sisters.
He said he and some private individuals and foundations had decided to fund the project without using government resources.
“We want to take that problem off you. We will fund it. So, work will start very soon. And I know it’s not government’s fund. It’s from Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, Ide John Udeagbara Foundation and private concerns,” Otti said.
The governor also disclosed that work on the Abia Airport in Nsulu had progressed significantly, with the runway nearing completion.
The event was attended by the Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, bishops from across the country, members of the Abia State House of Assembly, mayors, members of the State Executive Council, senior government officials and other dignitaries.
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