By 
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has said he will commit the remaining two years of his first term in office to institutionalizing the reforms that have been initiated by his administration.
Otti who made the pledge at the special Anniversary Lecture delivered by Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu at the JAAC Building, Umuahia, as part of activities marking his second year in office, adding that, he inculcated financial discipline in the governance of the State.
In his words,”We shall commit the remaining two years of this term to institutionalizing the reforms that have been initiated” Collectively, we shall make Abia the hub of transformational ideas. We shall not be tired of listening to undebated new ideas, for that is the path to continuous growth and progress.”
In a post by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, Governor Otti used the opportunity to react to an aspect of the lecture delivered, and explained that, though there is nothing wrong in borrowing, he would borrow when it becomes necessary.
He said, “So, I only borrow when I need to borrow. So, the first thing that we did here was to inculcate financial discipline and responsibility.
“But then, thank God, because of how we’ve managed the finances, we’ve been able to play down loans, and also pay all our contractors.
“We are not owing anyone. And of course, salary arrears and pension arrears, we had to defray. And sometimes, you also find that, it makes economic sense to pay, rather than keep the money in the bank.
“We are, however, required to be open to honest assessment and constructive engagement with those watching keenly from the sides.
Governor Otti , revealed that the choice of Dr. Kalu as the guest lecturer was because, his recommendations would be helpful in navigating the complex demands of governance in a dynamic socio-political environment. He appreciated the intellectual depth and the brilliance of his presentation.
Meanwhile, in his lecture on the theme, “Two Years of Transformation: Sustaining the Momentum” a former Minister of Finance, Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu appreciated the sterling leadership Governor Alex Otti has provided in the State within 2 years in office.
He identified the attention the Governor has given to health sector, education, social infrastructure among others as commendable and said that he was not surprised that Dr. Otti’s administration has done well, adding that the Governor has been emphasizing on growth and development, which he said has made him popular beyond Abia State.
“Governor Otti’s tenure has been truly transformative. I intend to identify only a few of the widely and easily available evidence to portray the reasons why Abians are so enthused by these two years of solid stewardship.
“The Governor, his deputy, and indeed, their hard-working lieutenants have demonstrated uncommon camaraderie. I say this with due humility, that I know such dedication when I see it. Such dedication was in the old Imo State that I was intimately a part of. What has emerged in our God’s own state has been spectacular so far.
“The Otti’s administration wants to underpin administrative reorganization and sustainable social and economic development under an atmosphere of good governance, equity, and the rule of law. Wow! Wow! Wow!, I am particularly happy here today because of what is happening in Abia,” Dr. Kalu maintained.
The foremost economist urged Governor Otti to borrow money to support his works in the State and said that, there is nothing wrong in borrowing for investment.
“There is nothing inherently wrong in borrowing. If you are creating a value, that’s where borrowing comes in.
“I’ve already heard the administration’s notion that borrowing is a problem, I think there would be an occasion to show that, far from being a problem, it is a way of enhancing faster and broader growth for the creation of jobs, the creation of capacity, and the creation of employment,” he stated.
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