The All Progressives Congress in Abia State has condemned Governor Alex Otti over the naming of the newly commissioned Umuahia Central Bus Terminal after Prof. Nnenna Nnennaya Oti.
In a statement signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC described the action as reckless and argued that it could create doubts about the neutrality of the 2023 governorship election in the state.
The opposition party noted that Prof. Nnenna Oti served as the Returning Officer during the 2023 Abia governorship election under the authority of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to the APC, it was inappropriate for a public official who supervised an election to later receive such public recognition from the governor declared winner of that same election.
The party questioned why other governors across Nigeria had not named public facilities after electoral officers if the gesture was purely based on integrity and service.
The APC alleged that the decision could reinforce public suspicion about the relationship between Governor Alex Otti and Prof. Nnenna Nnennaya Oti.
The statement further argued that honours or rewards given to public officials after carrying out official duties could raise ethical concerns and potentially damage confidence in democratic institutions.
The party also called on Prof. Nnenna Oti to reject the honour if she considers herself a principled public servant.
According to the APC, failure to reject the recognition could strengthen allegations that the 2023 governorship election in Abia State was compromised.
The statement added that the party may petition the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the relationship between the governor and the electoral officer.
The APC also referenced allegations previously raised during the election collation process and questioned the governor’s decision to present Prof. Nnenna Oti as a symbol of integrity despite reported controversies surrounding her administration at the Federal University of Technology Owerri.
The party maintained that several notable Abia figures who contributed significantly to the development of the state deserved recognition ahead of an electoral official.
Among those mentioned were Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and other prominent personalities from the state.
The APC concluded by urging Governor Alex Otti to reconsider and reverse the naming of the transport facility after Prof. Nnenna Oti, insisting that the decision was divisive and inappropriate.
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