Abia LP gov-elect Otti pays tribute to victims of electoral violence

The governor elect of Abia State, Alex Otti on Wednesday, paid tribute to injured and dead victims of electoral violence since his struggle to govern the State began decades ago.

ALEX OTTI, THE GOVERNOR-ELECT OF ABIA STATE IN THE MIDST OF A CHEERFUL CROWD OF SUPPORTERS WEDNESDAY MARCH 22ND 2023 AFTER HIS DECLARATION BY INEC AS THE WINNER OF SATURDAY MARCH 18TH 2023 GOVERNORSHIP POLLS IN UMUAHIA, THE STATE CAPITAL

Returning Officer in the election, Professor Nnenna Oti, declared Otti the winner at the State collation centre on Wednesday evening having secured a total of 175,467 valid votes cast ahead of his main challenger, Chief Okey Ahiwe of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who scored a total of 88,529 votes.

The Candidate of Labour Party (LP), said this during his acceptance speech after his declaration as the winner of Saturday March 18 governorship election in the State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Umuahia, the State Capital.

Some Nigerians who died during period, according. Otti, include Prince Otisi Kalu, Abbott, Pastor Nnanna Ngwu, who both served as Chairmen for this campaign at different times.

Others are Mr Eze Alomefuna who was his friend from Anambra State, Mr Rico, who worked tirelessly to help end the dynasty of incompetence in Abia State, which became the first State to win governorship election in the 2023 governorship polls that held across 28 States of the federation.

The governor-elect who observed a minute silence in honour of the departed, also hailed the support of Prince Dike O. Dike and Dr. Mike Nwachukwu who lost their lives within the struggle.

“Worthy of mention is the less than two year old little Adanna who tragically lost her life in 2015, when in the frenzy and excitement of our electoral victory, her father, Mr. Pius Oha accidentally ran over her in a car. In spite of the exigency of time.

He also promised to provide good governance and be fair to everyone as well as diligent in the discharge of his duties.

“Indeed, I see this victory as a call to service. Even as I come out of a bruising and long drawn out campaign, I know that this is just the beginning of the journey.

“There is a lot of work to be done and we must get all hands on deck to ensure that we take back our state and bring the much sought-after dividends of democracy.

“You voted us to serve you and not to be served. You voted us to alleviate your sufferings and not to compound and multiply them”, he said.