Uzodinma Pays New Year Visit to Otti in Abia

The Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Friday paid a New Year courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, describing the engagement as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration for the development of the South East.

Uzodimma, who spoke to journalists after the visit, said the meeting was not driven by politics but by the need to foster goodwill and regional cooperation at the start of the year.

According to him, “my visit is a courtesy call to the Governor, who I have also seen is doing very well.”

He explained that the visit was an opportunity to extend New Year goodwill and offer prayers for continued service to the people.

“I wished him a happy New Year and prayed with him so that the Almighty God will give us enough strength to continue to serve our people better and better. That is why I am here,” Uzodimma said.

The Imo governor stressed that South East governors are united in their resolve to advance the region’s development through cooperation, noting that collective action remains the most effective path forward.

“We in the South East, we are determined to develop the region. And the only way we can do this is through collaboration,” he stated.

As chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Uzodimma said he has a duty to regularly engage his colleagues to exchange ideas and align strategies for the benefit of the region.

“I have a responsibility to touch base with them, to discuss with them, share ideas, and agree on how best to help the people of the region to survive,” he said, adding that the five governors are committed to ensuring the South East remains fully integrated within Nigeria.

Uzodimma, who also serves as Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the South East and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, commended Governor Otti for what he described as quality governance in Abia State.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked his visitor and also downplayed any political undertone to the visit, insisting that differences in party affiliation should not be misinterpreted as opposition.

“This is not necessarily a political visit, but because we are all politicians, there is no way we can’t discuss politics,” Otti said.

He emphasized the unity of governance across all levels, arguing that political plurality does not equate to disloyalty.

“Government is one. You have the national, the sub-national, and then the local governments. And I made the point that you can’t be opposition in a government that you are part of,” the Abia governor stated.

Otti further noted that disagreement within democratic settings is natural but must ultimately give way to collective responsibility. “You can disagree, and there are forum for disagreement. But once a decision has been taken, you are part and parcel of that decision,” he said.

Reaffirming Abia State’s alignment with the Federal Government, Otti described Uzodimma’s visit as a goodwill gesture to mark the New Year and expressed appreciation for the show of solidarity.

The Imo governor was accompanied by former Imo State Governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, among other aides, while the Abia delegation included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and members of the state executive council.