In a recent broadcast to the people of Abia State, Governor Dr. Alex Otti appealed to parents, religious leaders, and traditional rulers to encourage their children and subjects to maintain peace in the state.
Governor Otti stressed the importance of avoiding actions that could disrupt the existing harmony and added that the state has made significant progress in infrastructure and overall well-being.
While acknowledging the public’s right to protest and the hardships many are facing, Governor Otti urged the youth to consider alternative methods of expressing their concerns.
He suggested that instead of resorting to demonstrations, youths should engage with their leaders through structured demands and realistic timelines for achieving their goals.
“Some economic policies of the federal government, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, may not have yet produced the desired results as initially intended, but I urge our youths to pursue peaceful means to express their grievances rather than resorting to violence,” he stated
The governor assured that the federal government is implementing measures to address long-standing issues.
Governor Otti stated, “What Abians need now is a strong sense of peace and sustained development, not chaos.”
He pointed out that significant investments in infrastructure in Aba and Umuahia need to be protected from potential disruptions by those who might exploit protests for negative ends.
He also noted that Abia State civil servants have received the promised April tranche of the Wage Award.
He urged the public to shun violence and stressed that dialogue is a more constructive approach.
Governor Otti reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens and called for continued peaceful coexistence.
His remarks come after he advised those planning to organise nationwide protests to obtain police approval, pointing out the need for lawful and orderly expressions of discontent.
