EBERE UZOUKWA, PhD
By acknowledging public concerns instead of dismissing them, the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has once again demonstrated one of the defining hallmarks of good governance. It has shown the courage to take responsibility, communicate with honesty and pursue practical but lasting solutions.
The recent flooding incident affecting a residential compound along the ongoing Owerrinta Road reconstruction corridor understandably attracted public attention after videos of the incident circulated on social media. In many places, such situations would have been met with official silence, outright denial, or a desperate search for scapegoats. The Abia State Government, however, chose a different path.
In a statement issued by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the government openly acknowledged the incident, empathised with the affected residents, explained the underlying causes and assured the public that the matter would be comprehensively addressed before the completion of the project. Without any doubt, that response reflected the character of a government that understands that leadership is measured not only by celebrating achievements but also by confronting challenges with honesty, responsibility and decisive action.
The statement explained that the affected location has, for many years, been vulnerable to flooding because of its natural topography. Situated on a downward slope from the main road, the compound has historically experienced water accumulation during periods of heavy rainfall. It also acknowledged that while the ongoing road reconstruction temporarily exacerbated the situation, the disruption was neither ignored nor denied. Rather than deflecting responsibility, the government accepted the reality and assured residents that the Ministry of Works and the project contractor would undertake the necessary engineering adjustments to provide a lasting solution before the project is completed.
This approach speaks volumes about the governing philosophy of the Otti administration. Responsible governments do not pretend that challenges do not exist. Responsive governments recognise them, communicate openly with the people, and take deliberate steps to resolve them. That is precisely what Abians have consistently witnessed since Governor Alex Chioma Otti assumed office on May 29, 2023.
It is equally significant that the government reminded the public that the Owerrinta Road project is still under construction. Major infrastructure projects naturally progress through different phases, during which temporary inconveniences may arise before permanent solutions are achieved. Rather than viewing the unusually heavy rainfall experienced over the past two days as merely an unfortunate occurrence, the administration recognised it as an opportunity for engineers to assess the drainage system under extreme conditions, identify any deficiencies and implement the necessary improvements before the project is completed. That is how resilient and durable infrastructure is built.
Equally commendable is the administration’s refusal to be distracted by attempts to politicise the incident. While some disgruntled elements and displaced political opportunists continue to exploit every development in their desperate search for relevance and their futile efforts to discredit the Otti administration, the government has remained firmly focused on the lives, safety, welfare and wellbeing of the people.
This distinction is important. Governments exist to solve problems, not to manufacture propaganda. Governor Otti’s administration has consistently demonstrated that it will never play politics with the lives, safety, welfare, or legitimate concerns of Abians. Every genuine concern raised by citizens is treated with the seriousness it deserves, irrespective of who raises it or the political narratives surrounding it. That is the essence of people-centred governance.
This philosophy has become one of the defining characteristics of the present administration. Whether in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, environmental management, urban renewal, or security, the government has consistently demonstrated that governance is about listening to the people, responding to their concerns, correcting deficiencies where necessary and continuously improving the quality of public service delivery.
The administration’s openness in handling the Owerrinta flooding incident has further strengthened the bond of trust between the government and the people. Transparency inspires confidence. Accountability builds credibility. Responsiveness deepens public trust. Together, these values have reinforced the social contract that Governor Alex Chioma Otti entered into with the people of Abia in 2023.
It is therefore, not surprising that, despite sustained attempts by political opponents to distort facts, spread misinformation, and undermine public confidence, Abians continue to judge the administration by its visible performance, sincerity and transparency. They have watched a government that acknowledges challenges instead of concealing them, accepts responsibility instead of shifting blame, and pursues lasting solutions instead of temporary fixes.
The Owerrinta flooding incident is therefore not a story of government failure. Rather, it is another compelling demonstration of a government that remains connected to its people, attentive to their concerns and unwavering in its determination to get things right. It reinforces the enduring truth that, under Governor Alex Chioma Otti, infrastructure development is not merely about constructing roads. It is about improving lives, protecting communities, safeguarding public interest and ensuring that every project delivers lasting value to the people.
Ultimately, that is the essence of responsible governance and the hallmark of responsive leadership. It is this honest, transparent, accountable and people-centred style of governance that has continued to strengthen the confidence of Abians in Governor Alex Chioma Otti and his administration. Having witnessed a government that places public interest above politics and solutions above excuses, many Abians remain convinced that the social contract they freely entered into with Governor Otti in 2023 deserves to be renewed in 2027 through the ballot.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Abia State on Public Affairs.