Leaders, stakeholders, traditional rulers, clergy men, women, youth groups and people of thought from Umunna in Bende Local Government of Abia State gathered at the Convention Arena, Princess Hotels Igbere to review the administration of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti
The event organised by Umunna leaders of thought held yesterday 18th February 2026 saw the out pouring of praises as leaders, traditional rulers and clergy laud the outstanding and excellent performance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The Colloquium Held In Honour Of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, under the chairmanship of Arc Chima Ucheya, with a tittle “GOOD GOVERNANCE AS A WORTHY LEGACY TO THE NEXT GENERATION” commenced with an opening prayer by the Methodist Bishop of Item, then presentation of Kola-nut by Elder Onyedikachi Iroegbu Chairman planning committee, followed by a welcome address by Dr Sonny Ajala SAN.
Arc Chima Ucheya gave the opening remarks followed by a keynote lecture by Prof Madu Awa. Rev. Ernest Onyeukwu presented a lecture on good governance in Abia State.
Hon. Peter Ekekwe who also represented Hon. Nnamdi C Ibekwe, the member representing Bende North in Abia House of Assembly, gave a scorecard of the government’s performance in environmental performance. Other political appointees; Hon. David Anyaele, Ferdinand Ekeoma, and Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, the Hon Commissioner for Agriculture, also gave account of their stewardship in propagating His Excellency’s programs.
Dr. Chima Anyaso joined other stakeholders in honoring Governor Otti’s impact on Abia State. He argued that the failure to deliver good and tangible benefits to the people is criminality “Anything that is short of good governance is criminality,” Anyaso declared.
“Retroficial” vs. Renovation
was highlighted when Reverend Ernest delivered his lecture, he noted that while past administrations often settled for superficial renovations, the Otti administration is engaged in “retroficial” development—completely overhauling and modernizing the state’s foundation.
“The Governor has done so well that if we start to talk about all the things he has done and is still doing—commissioning projects even on his birthday—we would be here all day,”
Prof Ndukwe Okeudo, the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu outlined Governor Otti’s impact in the university.
The Chairman Bende Council Of Ndi Eze, His Royal Highness, Eze Uchendu Okorie on behalf of Bende traditional rulers, gave a vote of confidence to the administration of Dr Alex Otti and declared that his second tenure bid have the blessings of the Royal Fathers.
The representative of the Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, appreciated the organisers and delivered the Governor’s speech where he promised to continue in the development of Abia State.
The colloquium came to an end with a consensus among the Umunna Leaders of Thought that the current governance model in Abia State serves as a blueprint for the “world legacy” discussed in the day’s theme and therefore adopted the Governor as the sole governorship candidate for Umunna Bende and also adopted Hon. Nnamdi C Ibekwe as the sole candidate for Bende North.
Kindly find below the colloquium, videos, and photos from the event:
COMMUNIQUE OF THE UMUNNA LEADERS OF THOUGHT ISSUED AT THE END OF A ONE DAY COLLOQUIUM IN HONOUR OF HIS EXCELLENCY, DR ALEX OTTI IN IGBERE ON WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2026
We, the people of Umunna comprising Item, Igbere, Alayi, Ugwueke and Ezeukwu in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State having x-rayed the administration of Governor Alex Otti since assumption of office on 29th May, 2023, note that:
1 Abia State is experiencing visible , verifiable, and great strides in overall good governance indicators;
- Governor Alex Otti has redefined governance in the state having brought in his wealth of experience of corporate management to bear;
- Provision of infrastructure such as good roads, electricity, schools rehabilitation, quality healthcare has become the norm;
- Abians now take pride in being identified with the state as God has used Governor Alex Otti to wipe away the rupture in ndi Abia; and,
- He has enthroned transparency and accountability in governance.
In view of the foregoing, the people of Umunna in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have collectively resolved and pledged as follows:
i. To continue to support the administration of Governor Alex Otti;
ii. To collectively adopt Governor Alex Otti as the sole candidate for 2027 Governorship election in Abia State, including Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe and others contesting under Dr Alex Otti for various posts;
iii. To distance all true sons and daughters of Umunna from the detractors of Governor Alex Otti;
iv. To mobilize the entire Umunna communities to ensure his landslide victory in 2027; and,
v. To pledge our unalloyed loyalty to Dr Alex Otti.
Signed
Dr. Onyekwere Okpara.
Igbere Mirror Magazine