The first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (Rtd), has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a remarkable restoration of hope, purposeful leadership and all round development across the State.
Air Vice Ajobena who was speaking during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti at his Nvosi Isialangwa South country home, said he is proud of what is on ground since the present administration assumed office.
The first military Administrator who was accompanied by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena Rtd, noted that under the Governor Otti led administration, Abia has once again become a reference point for good leadership for other states across Nigeria.
He said that his visit was to personally verify reports of progress he had been reading in the media and commended Governor Otti for the massive Infrastructural development across the State.
Air Vice Marshal Ajobena who noted that he visited the state 14 years ago praised the remarkable development that had taken place in Umuahia and Aba with many places now hardly recognisable, adding that the State capital now truly looks like a capital city.
He also clarified misconceptions about the Government House during his tenure, explaining that the facility was neither rented nor abandoned but restructured and complemented with additional buildings to make the seat of government functional.
The Former Military Administrator lamented what he described as years of stagnation after his tenure, however noted that Governor Otti’s emergence has marked a turning point in the lives of citizens.
While declaring himself as a bonafide citizen of the State with a moral responsibility to remain interested in its affairs, urged past leaders to support the incumbent administration, adding that Governor Otti is performing well and should be allowed to continue as a winning team.
Air Vice Marshal Ajobena urged the Governor to remain focused despite criticism from various quarters targeted at distracting him from providing service to the people.
Responding, the Governor, Dr Alex Otti while welcoming Air Vice Marshal Ajobena back to the State, described him as a true founding father and thanked him for the visit, adding that the solidarity visit was deeply encouraging.
Governor Otti who acknowledged the challenges the first military Administrator faced in governing the State at its teething stage, praised the foundational work carried out between 1991 and 1992, noting that his administration is focused on building upon the legacy.
He cited landmark interventions such as the completion of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the reconstruction of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House, which had earlier failed structural integrity tests, as part of the measures his administration has put in place to reposition the State.
Governor Otti said he is not distracted by the critics of his administration, describing it as selfish from a very tiny minority, adding that his administration is focused on delivering democracy dividends for the people.
Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena governed the State between August 1991 and January 1992 as its founding Military Administrator.
The Acting SSG, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba and other government officials were present during the visit.
