…Urges media to hold leaders accountable

By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA – The Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, has said that Gov. Alex Otti came to power to set a new standard for good governance.

This is as he has tasked the media not to relent in its responsibility of holding leaders accountable for the people.

Ajagba made the remarks while addressing members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abia State.

He noted that the Governor has already transformed Abia into “a model state.”

“What is happening today in Abia State has become a model for other states,” he said, adding that the state would witness even more transformation in the months ahead.

He attributed the influx of people into the state—and the resulting increase in house rents—to ongoing development efforts.

“You would have also noticed that there’s an upsurge in the number of people coming into Abia State now. This is why there is an increase in house rent. It’s a reflection of the ongoing development. Development comes at a cost.”

Reflecting on the past, Ajagba said: “Before now, Umuahia was undeveloped. But suddenly, the value of properties has gone up. That tells you that good things are happening now in Abia.

” And by the time Gov. Otti completes his four years in office, and by God’s grace goes for another four years, Abia will be on top.”

Describing the pace of change as remarkable, Ajagba said: “If you look at the transformation that has happened in less than 36 months, you will be amazed. Many people say it’s miraculous.”

Ajagba, however, credited both human effort and divine support for the successes recorded.

“Nobody can do this kind of thing except God empowers him. So, what you have seen is a combination of man’s ingenuity and God’s abiding faithfulness in turning things around. It is a symbiotic relationship between the readiness of man to move when God says, ‘move!’”

On workers’ welfare, the Chief of Staff reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustain the regular payment of salaries and other entitlements.

“Gov. Alex Otti is very passionate about excellence and about the welfare of the workforce. That’s why one of the things he did on assumption of office was to declare a state of emergency in critical sectors, including the welfare of Abia civil servants and the workforce.

He has also gone ahead to introduce measures that will support the elderly in society.”

Media as watchdog

Emphasising the role of the press, Ajagba urged journalists to remain objective and continue holding leaders accountable.

“The media is the platform to hold leadership at all levels accountable—whether in government, business, or communities. People have a tendency to do whatever they like and get away with it. The press has been a pivotal partner in restoring sanity and orderliness in society.”

He added that constructive scrutiny would help the government perform better.

“With your oversight function and the way you look at issues from different angles, it can really help us as a government to do better.”

Ajagba also stressed the importance of press freedom, saying that Otti’s administration will never gag the media.

“We are not telling you to suppress the truth. If you see what is not going well in this administration, don’t keep quiet. The Governor will never tell you to do that. Doing so means gagging the press, and society will not be better for it. So, we want you to remain objective in your reportage.”

He commended the leadership of the Correspondents Chapel “for leading by example.”