Can Otti be the change agent in Abia?

SIR: Among all the states in Nigeria, Abia has experienced the worst governance since the new democratic dispensation from 1999, and the situation has become even traumatic in the last eight years of the current governorship regime. 

   While other states in the Eastern axis have made some recognisable progress in infrastructure and other human development areas, Abia State has degenerated to abysmal levels in every aspect of development: infrastructural, institutional, social and even human psyche.  For example, Aba that used to be a shining commercial hub in the whole of the Eastern State, with spiralling manufacturing and trading activities as well as useable and growing infrastructure, has now become a derelict and destroyed city. What a pity!

   As indigenes of Abia State, and I dare say intellectuals and professionals, we have quietly observed and watched, now to our detriment, as the previous governors do everything in running of the state, but development governance. The state has gone through numerous controversial, diabolic and now near lunatic governance expeditions, where these governors and their friends and relatives, including mothers, sons, wives, concubines and hangers-on, take full grip of the state in surprising controversy and commotion, but no development, and we just watch and look in helplessness.

    But beyond conscience, decency and humanity, are the right competences and capacities to deliver development and growth in governance. It is obvious that people who have no previous and demonstrable training and skills have been played up by politics and deviously imposed on the people to handle state developmental issues, which are well above their capabilities and competences. 

    What is now required to make a positive change and turn around in Abia State is to have a person of suitable pedigree and capacity to handle appropriate development and leadership in governance of the state. From our experience and understanding, it is clear that none of the typical Abia-type politicians can make the required turn-around and positive change in the state from its current lethargic level of political predicament.

   A look at the people currently presenting themselves for governorship in Abia State for the 2015 elections, Otti seems to have more of the sort of leadership qualifications and experience which are required to jump start the turn-around change and development that the state desperately requiresaa.

• Ralph Anusionwu, 

Lagos.