Abia State Governor Alex Otti has defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying anyone advocating for its return does not have the country’s best interests at heart. Otti made the remarks during an appearance on Arise TV, where he also discussed Abia State’s debt inherited from the previous administration,……
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has defended the removal of the petrol subsidy, saying anyone advocating for its return does not have the country’s best interests at heart.
Otti made the remarks during an appearance on Arise TV, where he also discussed Abia State’s debt inherited from the previous administration, his position on President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy and his decision to remain out of the presidential race.
“Removing the subsidy was the right thing to do, and anyone praying for its return does not mean well for the country,” Otti said.
The governor said his administration inherited a debt of ₦191.2 billion from the previous government but had succeeded in repaying almost 75 per cent of the obligation.
“I inherited a debt of ₦191.2bn from the previous government, but I’ve been able to pay almost 75% of it by reducing the cost of governance by 20%,” he said.
Otti explained that reducing the cost of running government had been central to his administration’s efforts to address the inherited debt burden.
“If I go back to the debt left by the past government, some people will unfortunately be affected. I inherited a debt of ₦191.2 billion, but I have been able to pay almost 75% of the debt. How I was able to do this was by reducing the cost of governance by 20%, because that was a major problem,” the governor said.
On the 2027 presidential election, Otti said he would not oppose President Tinubu’s candidacy.
“I’m not going to oppose President Tinubu’s candidacy,” he declared.
He also said political parties should be allowed to campaign freely across states, arguing that sitting governments should not prevent opposition parties from reaching voters.
“It is very wrong for a sitting government to stop the opposition from campaigning in your state. Here in Abia State, we are above that league. Everyone is free to come and campaign,” Otti said.
The governor also ruled out seeking another elective position after completing his tenure as Abia governor.
“After I’m done as governor, I will retire. I will never run for any other position, including the presidency,” he said.
Otti also spoke about former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi’s tenure, recalling his relationship with Obi when the latter was chief executive of Diamond Bank.
“As the CEO of Diamond Bank then, Peter Obi left $155 million. I can attest to that. He wanted to leave it in naira, but I advised him to leave it in dollars,” Otti said.
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