The President-General of Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, has described the three years of Governor Alex Otti as one defined by impactful and purposeful leadership, transformational governance, and unflinching commitment to the total recovery of the past fortunes of the state.
This is as he called on all well-meaning Abians to reciprocate the governor’s sincerity of purpose and focused leadership style by renewing their contract with him come 2027.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in commemoration of the third-year anniversary celebration of the government, Chief Udeigbo maintained that Governor Otti’s administration in Abia State represents God’s answered prayers for the reclamation of the lost fortunes of the state after over 24 years of pillaging and misgovernance.
According to him, Governor Otti in the last three years has not only pulled Abia State from the brink but has also repositioned it on the path of becoming once again the commercial and industrial powerhouse of the South East region.
Chief Udeigbo particularly paid glowing tribute to Governor Otti’s intentional drive towards infrastructural renewal through massive road reconstruction, provision of efficient healthcare delivery services, improved security networks, as well as a total commitment to the welfare and well-being of the workforce.
The ASMATA leader expressed deep and sincere appreciation to the governor for creating the enabling environment for the thriving of economic activities, resulting in traders and members of the business community realising their full potential.
“What we are celebrating is three years of purposeful and transformational leadership. Three years of focused governance and commitment to the aspirations and yearnings of the long-suffering Abians.
“Abia traders and members of the business community are particularly grateful for the opening of the business environment through uncommon and massive infrastructural renewal projects in Aba, Umuahia and other parts of the state.
“With the remodelling and reconstruction of roads, including the landmark Port Harcourt road in Aba, there have been significant economic growth and development in the last three years.
“So many businesses and establishments that left Aba and other parts of the state owing to lack of access roads, insecurity and an unconducive environment have now returned.
“Of particular note is the remodelling and reconstruction of many markets in the state, as well as the creation of access roads, resulting in the ease of doing business.
“It is no longer news that for over two decades, Aba and other parts of Abia State witnessed monumental infrastructural neglect and decay, as well as serious insecurity, leading to many people and businesses relocating from the state.
“But today, we thank God for using Governor Otti to restore normalcy and bring back joy on the faces of the people through his transformational leadership style.
“On our part as traders and members of the business community, we are using the occasion of the third-year anniversary celebration of his administration to pledge our readiness to renew our charter, our contract with him, for another four years.
“The renewal of the contract, which is non-negotiable, will be formally sealed in 2027,” Udeigbo stated.
The ASMATA President, however, renewed his call on traders, members of the business community, and all well-meaning Abians to ensure they register and obtain their permanent voters cards PVCs in readiness for the 2027 polls.
He emphasised the importance of eligible voters participating fully in the electoral system, insisting that it remains the only way to ensure that Abia is not dragged back to the dark past.
“I want to use this opportunity to call on traders, members of the business community and Abians in general to take steps and obtain their PVCs.
“You can only realise your dream of sustaining the wind of transformation blowing across the state by being properly equipped for the battle ahead.
“And the only path to winning the battle is to arm yourself with your PVC and ensure you come out to cast your vote on the day of election. Doing otherwise is self-defeating and harmful,” the ASMATA President added.
