First Military Administrator of Abia Visits Otti, Urges Support for Continuity

The first Military Administrator of Abia State, Air Vice Marshal Frank Ajobena (rtd), has commended Governor Alex Otti for what he described as the restoration of hope and purposeful governance in the state, urging Abians not to “change a winning team.”

Air Vice Marshal Ajobena made the remarks during a solidarity visit to Governor Otti at the Government House on Friday, January 16, describing Abia State under the current administration as once again becoming a reference point for quality leadership in Nigeria.

The former military administrator, who noted that it was his first visit to Abia in over 14 years, described the trip as a “wonderful homecoming,” explaining that it afforded him the opportunity to personally verify reports of positive developments in the state. Drawing a biblical analogy, he said he came like the Queen of Sheba to see for himself the achievements he had heard about, adding that as the founding military administrator of Abia State, he has always felt a deep sense of responsibility toward the state.

Reflecting on the early days of Abia State, Ajobena recalled the enthusiasm that greeted the creation of the state in August 1991, noting that while the initial optimism was high, it later waned due to poor leadership. He particularly praised the Aba Power Project, describing Aba as the “Taiwan of Nigeria” because of the ingenuity of its people, which he said only required the right leadership to flourish.

Commending Governor Otti for what he termed “selfless service,” the former military administrator urged him not to be discouraged by critics, noting that opposition is inevitable in leadership. He called on stakeholders to support the governor to ensure continuity of development.

“You don’t change a winning team. He is doing very well. Everyone should support him to continue and complete what he has started,” Ajobena said, adding that many parts of the state were barely recognisable due to the scale of ongoing transformation.

In his response, Governor Otti expressed delight over the visit and thanked Air Vice Marshal Ajobena for his service and sacrifices to Abia State. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the former military administrator at the formative stage of the state and described him as a true founding father whose foundational work between 1991 and 1992 laid the groundwork for subsequent administrations.

“I want to congratulate you for the work you did between 1991 and 1992. That foundational work was so critical. Thank you for the service you rendered to Abia State,” the governor said.

Governor Otti explained that the temporary relocation of his office was due to the poor structural condition of the Government House complex in Umuahia, noting that both the Governor’s Office and Official Residence failed integrity tests and were pulled down for reconstruction.

“We are rebuilding them, and work is progressing very well. Very soon, we will complete the two buildings and move in,” he said.

He emphasized that his administration is committed to people-centred governance, stressing that the true measure of success in leadership is the happiness and well-being of the people. The governor highlighted key interventions of his administration, including the reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the construction of the Secretary to the State Government’s office complex, the remodeling of the Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, and the ongoing rebuilding of the Government House.

Air Vice Marshal Ajobena was accompanied on the visit by his son, Flight Lieutenant Terry Ajobena (rtd). Also present were the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D; and other senior government officials.