The Labour Party’s Governor-elect for Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has taken over leadership from Okezie Ikpeazu, as the new Governor of the state.
Otti took his oath of office at midday during the inauguration held at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
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Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Lilian Abai, administered the oaths of office to Otti and his deputy, Ikechi Valentine Emetu.
The event witnessed several dignitaries including Peter Obi, who was represented by the party’s vice presidential candidate, Yusuf Baba Ahmed.
Earlier, in a brief handover ceremony at about 9.45am on Monday, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, in Umuahia, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, presented his handover notes and Abia Long Term Development and Budgetary Document for 2023, to Otti.
In a speech, Ikpeazu said the documents contained contributions from ministries, parastatal organisations and agencies of government in the state.
Ikpeazu, represented by the outgoing Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, said the documents were critical to governance and would serve as essential tools for piloting the affairs of the state.
He said the long-term development plan was designed to provide the state government with a development roadmap for 30 years in order to ensure continuous socioeconomic growth in Abia.
In his response, Otti said the documents would be studied and the “relevant and appropriate recommendations” contained in them would be utilised by his administration.
Otti, represented by Dr Caleb Ajagba, said under his watch, the expectations of the people of Abia would be met.
He promised that his administration would be guided by the principles of transparency and good governance.