. As gov unveils solar project lights up Bende

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — Gov. Alex Otti’s political ally and member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency at of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, has declared that Otti would not oppose the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

The lawmaker made the assertion at Lohum Umuimenyi in Bende Local Government Area during the flag-off of “Project Switch On Bende,” facilitated by the Abia State Chief Liaison Officer in Abuja, Frank Chinasa.

Anchoring his position on what he described as the “proven performance” of both leaders, the lawmaker said the duo had through performance, earned themselves a second term in office.

“Governor Otti has performed, Mr President has also performed. Both of them have earned their second tenure,” Onwusibe declared.

“The governor has capacity to deliver, and he will not oppose the President’s re-election”.

“What I have said about Mr President is my personal opinion and I can tell you the governor will not oppose Mr President’s second term bid.”

Taking a swipe at past administrations, the Labour Party chieftain argued that Otti’s achievements within three years had surpassed the cumulative records of former governors, including Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu.

“I have been in politics since 1999 and served under previous administrations. I can say with every sense of responsibility that Alex Otti has outperformed them,” he said, predicting a more resounding victory for the governor in 2027.

The lawmaker commended Chinasa for attracting the solar light project, arguing that if he could do that as an appointee , he will do more if elected into a representative position.

In his speech, Chinasa said the event was a rollout of a major infrastructure intervention in Bende Federal Constituency, explaining that the solar-powered street lighting project is aimed at boosting security and economic activities.

Chinasa promised to invest in projects that will restore the confidence of residents of the state in good governance in line with the development agenda of Governor Otti”s administration.

He disclosed that no fewer than 486 solar street lights had been installed across Uzuakoli and Umuimenyi wards within months, under the Niger Delta Development Commission’s “Light Up the Niger Delta” initiative.

“This is more than lighting streets; it is about restoring confidence in governance, enhancing security, and creating opportunities for our people,” Chinasa said.

The Chief Liaison Officer urged community leaders and residents to take ownership of the facility so as to serve them better.

Representing the governor, Commissioner for Health, Ogbonnaya Enoch, described Chinasa as a strategic asset whose impact could expand with greater responsibility.

In their goodwill messages, Bende LGA Mayor, Uwabunkeonye Bassey, and Chairman of the occasion, Johnson Chukwu, praised the initiative, noting that it had already earned Chinasa widespread grassroots support.

The event drew a large crowd of stakeholders, including traditional rulers and political figures, underscoring both the developmental impact of the project and the intensifying political alignments ahead of 2027.