Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has issued a stern call to the leadership of community development unions across Abia and beyond, urging them to prioritise integrity and good governance within their localities.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with the Abia State Association of Igbo Town Unions at the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti lamented the continued presence of individuals with questionable character in leadership positions across some communities.
The union delegation, led by its President General, George Mgbeorurukwe, met with the governor to discuss issues affecting their operations and collaboration with the state government.
Otti made it clear that his administration would not tolerate individuals lacking moral credibility occupying leadership roles in town unions.
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“We don’t want thieves. We don’t want drug dealers, and we don’t want 419 people as leaders of town unions,” he said emphatically.
“Because, if your leader is a thief, he will teach people to steal. If he is a drug addict, if you arrest somebody, he would want to bribe you to release him.”
The governor insisted that only individuals with integrity, traceable sources of income, and a genuine desire to serve the people should be allowed to hold community leadership positions.
Governor Otti stressed that his administration places high value on knowing who leads town unions, as these leaders play a crucial role in shaping the moral and security standards of their communities.
He challenged the Association to return to their various communities and ensure that the next generation of leaders are individuals the people can trust and be proud of.
Governor Otti also called on the union leaders to become active partners in governance and security. He encouraged them to provide credible intelligence to both the government and security agencies to help fight crime, especially in rural areas.
In a gesture of support, the governor approved a land allocation for the Association to establish its office in the state, strengthening its institutional presence and ability to coordinate grassroots development efforts.
Governor Otti’s message was clear: Abia needs honest leaders, not those driven by ill-gotten wealth or criminal reputations, to lead its communities into a more secure and morally upright future.
