Ikechukwu Nlewedim, a former President of the Nigerian Youths Association in Cote d'Ivoire, has dismissed rumors about Abia State Governor Alex Otti's alleged plans to defect from the Labour Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC) as an unnecessary distraction.
Nlewedim, who is an Abia indigene, urged the people to allow Governor Otti to concentrate on his developmental agenda rather than being distracted by unverified political speculations.
Speaking with journalists over the weekend, Nlewedim emphasized that Otti has demonstrated exceptional understanding of Abia's developmental needs and should be given space to focus on governance.
"Abia people are happy. That is why I think that this defection rumour is an unnecessary distraction. We no longer need rocket science to know that God has given us a governor that is sane-headed and committed to the wellbeing of the people," Nlewedim stated.
He further highlighted Governor Otti's achievements, saying, "Under his watch, things that seemed impossible in the past are being done easily. He has continued to implement reforms in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security, among others."
Nlewedim expressed confidence in the governor's political acumen, noting that Otti is "very knowledgeable in politics, governance and administration" and "capable of taking the right decision in the interest of Abia people."
The former youth leader specifically commended the governor's educational reforms, including "the recruitment of no fewer than 2,000 teachers and the raising of teachers retirement age to 65," describing these as "bold steps that only a patriotic leader could take."
"The governor's interest is nothing but to ensure sustainable development in the state, we must give him the needed support to work," Nlewedim concluded.
The rumors about Governor Otti's potential defection come amid political realignments in various states, though the governor has not made any official statement regarding the speculation.
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