The Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA), Catechist Ambrose Jonah, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on the mandate of Governor to ensure that Abia State remains one of the cleanest states in Nigeria.

Speaking on Sunday, the ASEPA Deputy Chairman stated that his appointment to oversee the Umuahia Zone, which covers the Abia central area of the state, was a responsibility he is determined to handle with dedication and integrity.

According to him, the governor entrusted him with the position because of the confidence he has in his commitment to public service.

“I believe the governor, Dr. Alex Otti, appointed me to oversee ASEPA Umuahia Zone because he has seen the level of commitment in me. When he gave me the appointment, he told me he was confident I would not disappoint him, and I assured him that I would live up to that expectation.”

He explained that his work at ASEPA is aimed at complementing the governor’s efforts to improve environmental sanitation and maintain cleanliness across the state.

The Deputy Chairman noted that he works tirelessly to ensure that Abia maintains a high standard of environmental cleanliness.

“I work round the clock to ensure that Abia State remains the neatest state in Nigeria. Even the Chief of Defence Staff recently commended the state’s level of cleanliness during his visit. We have started this initiative, and we will continue to sustain it.” 

He further noted that maintaining a clean environment was one of the promises made during the administration’s campaign to the people of Abia State, stressing that the government remains committed to fulfilling that pledge.

The ASEPA Deputy Chairman also commended residents of Umuahia and its surrounding communities for their cooperation and support in maintaining environmental sanitation.

He revealed that the agency regularly conducts public sensitization programmes to educate residents on proper waste disposal and environmental responsibility.

According to him, ASEPA has also extended its awareness campaigns to secondary schools in order to instill the culture of cleanliness among young people.

“We believe in catching them young by teaching students that cleanliness is next to Godliness.”

He added that the agency strongly discourages indiscriminate littering of the environment and the roaming of cattle within the state’s streets, noting that compliance among residents has been improving steadily.

While acknowledging that there is still room for improvement, he expressed optimism that Abia State will continue to make significant progress in maintaining a cleaner and healthier environment.

HRH Eze Sir Charles Onorchie Ukattah, has expressed strong support for the administration of Governor Alex Otti, describing his leadership as impactful and people-oriented.

Speaking during a community gathering, the monarch stated that the Governor has performed creditably within his first two and a half years in office. He maintained that anyone seeking to challenge the Governor in the 2027 election would be “wasting his time,” suggesting that such ambitions could be deferred until 2031.

According to the royal father, Governor Otti’s administration has delivered visible dividends of democracy, particularly in infrastructure development. He noted that the construction and rehabilitation of roads in rural communities have significantly improved the movement of farm produce to urban markets.

“In my lifetime, I have not witnessed such transformation of roads in our locality. My people are predominantly farmers, and with improved road networks, we can now transport our produce to the cities with ease.

Ikwuano is a food basket to other states, and without good roads, this would not be possible,” he said.

The traditional ruler described the Governor as a technocrat and “financial architect” whose expertise distinguishes him from others. He emphasized that good governance is measured by service to the people, adding that he can clearly identify the dividends of democracy under the current administration.

While reiterating that traditional institutions do not engage in partisan politics, Eze Ukattah noted that they remain politically conscious and supportive of effective leadership.

“As a traditional ruler, we do not practice politics, but we recognize good governance when we see it. So far, the Governor has demonstrated competence and commitment. If given more time, history will remember him for his achievements,” he stated.

He further praised developmental strides in Aba, Umuahia, and Ikwuano, asserting that the Governor has already “etched his name in the sands of time.”

The monarch concluded by affirming his commitment to mobilizing support within his community and local government area to ensure the Governor’s re-election in 2027.

A traditional ruler, HRH Eze Sir Charles Onorchie Ukattah, has defended Governor Alex Chioma Otti over recent reactions to his remarks during a media interaction, stating that the governor acted within his rights to express himself.

Speaking on the matter, the monarch said the controversy surrounding the exchange between the governor and a journalist was largely a result of misunderstanding and misinterpretation. According to him, the governor was merely seeking clarification and attempting to ascertain whether the journalist was fully conversant with the issues being raised.

He noted that it appeared contradictory for a journalist to acknowledge that the people of Abia State are satisfied with the governor’s performance, while simultaneously questioning the economic impact of his administration without presenting specific facts.

“You said he has done well, and then you turn around to ask for details of what he has done. That suggests you may not be following the facts closely. Assessments of this nature should be based on verifiable information, not sentiment,” the traditional ruler stated.

HRH Ukattah emphasized that while journalists have the constitutional right to ask questions, public officials equally have the right to respond and express their views. He added that opinions often differ and that divergent perspectives are part of a healthy democratic process.

He further dismissed claims that the governor insulted the journalist, saying he had not seen any evidence to support such allegations. From what he gathered, he described the incident as a matter of semantics and differing interpretations rather than deliberate hostility.

“It is likely a case of misconception or misunderstanding. I do not believe anyone intended to hurt the other. It was simply an exchange shaped by how the questions and responses were framed,” he concluded.