Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has said that his administration will pursue policies and programmes that will create prosperity and security for the citizenry.
Otti spoke at Sunday’s interdenominational open-air Thanksgiving service held at the Trademore Event Center, Umuahia.
The well-attended solemn event, with the theme, “The Lord has done great things for us” taken from Psalm 126:3, was organised by the State Government, in collaboration with the Abia chapter of the Chriatian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The governor said that his commitment to improving the welfare of the people of Abia remained unwavering.
“We have come to work for Abia people and we have promised to lead them out of poverty.
“We have not come to work for big men because they will always find their way,” he further said.
Otti thanked the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, for being part of the service and his advice on good governance.
He promised to live up to expectations.
He commended the governorship candidates of the opposition political parties that had shown support to his administration.
He appealed to those that had yet to do the same to sheath their swords and join him in rebuilding Abia.
In a remark, Obi urged Otti to be conscious that the grace of God played a significant role in his emergence as the governor of Abia.
He said: “We have all voted for you to become governor, but remember it was only possible by His grace and do not abuse the grace of God.
“In all your actions, budgeting and planning; look at the poor masses because people have suffered enough.
“Let the poor be happy, let the rich be annoyed and let the pensioners have a sense of belonging and the civil servants feel that they are working for Abia.”
The former Anambra governor called on the Abia people to always pray for the nation to become better.
In a sermon, the Lead Pastor of Streams of Joy, Jerry Eze, described the service as an indication that the state had embarked on “a journey to wholeness” after it got healed.
He likened Abia to one of the 10 lepers that returned to thank Jesus for healing him and thereafter was made whole.
Eze prayed God to grant the new administration the wherewithal to record significant achievements at all levels and to drive socio-economic growth in the state.
Prayers were offered for the governor and his wife, Priscilla, alongside Deputy Gov. Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife, Adaeze.
The event was attended by the Head of Service, Onyii Wamah, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of some security agencies, chieftains of Abia LP, religious leaders and members of CAN.
