Governor Alex Otti hosted a reception for Abia’s Mayors, revealing a bold tactic to ensure accountability by “blackmailing” accomplished professionals and businessmen like Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, Ide John Udeagbala and others into into mayoral roles. The governor’s strategy aims to secure Abia’s LGA funds and maintain high standards in governance.
In a candid and surprising address at a recent dinner reception for outgone and newly sworn in Mayors of Abia State, Governor Alex Otti revealed an unconventional approach he used to secure the best leadership for local governments. According to Otti, he “blackmailed” prominent figures like Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, Ide John Udeagbala and others into accepting mayoral roles, ensuring the safety of Local Government Area (LGA) funds and the integrity of Abia’s governance.
“I announced the names publicly to make sure they had no way to renege,” Governor Otti stated. He expressed his intention to safeguard Abia’s LGAs from mismanagement, explaining that his decision to appoint individuals with strong reputations was deliberate. “I was looking for people who have their names to protect,” he said, emphasizing that respected leaders would be more likely to resist the temptations associated with managing public funds.
Governor Otti shared that he had chosen professionals and businessmen who had already achieved much in life and would be “ashamed to steal public money.” This strategic choice, he said, has paid off as the outgoing Mayors exceeded expectations during their 11 months of service, contributing to a newfound respect for LGA offices in the state.
The Governor commended the outgone Mayors, for their exceptional performance and dedication. “They have performed exemplary and set a standard,” Otti noted. He thanked the outgone Mayors for “shining the light” and underscored their success in elevating the status of the LGA offices.
The outgone Mayors, who assumed office under Governor Otti’s administration, faced initial doubts due to their private sector backgrounds but soon gained widespread admiration for their commitment to public service. Governor Otti’s selection strategy, which some might see as unconventional, proved effective, enhancing public confidence in local governance.
Addressing the newly sworn-in Mayors and their deputies, Otti laid out his expectations, urging them to emulate their predecessors’ achievements. “Your accomplishments will be measured against what the outgoing Mayors have achieved in less than a year,” he cautioned. He emphasized that he would closely monitor their work and compare their progress with that of the outgoing Mayors.
The governor did not shy away from delivering a stern warning, advising the new appointees to resign if they had any intentions other than genuine service to the people. “If your goal is to make money, this is not the place for you,” he warned. “Anyone caught attempting to misuse public funds will not be spared.”
While Speaking at the event on behalf of outgone Mayors and their deputies, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex MFR OON shared his journey as an LGA Chairman, describing it as a valuable and unexpected chapter in his career. In his speech, he revealed that when the idea of becoming a transitional Council Chairman was first introduced, he thought it was a joke, he confessed, recounting how the Governor’s insistence ultimately persuaded him to accept the role.
Bourdex, who transitioned from a successful career in the private sector, described the experience as an “apprenticeship” in public service, marked by moments of learning and adaptation. He acknowledged that the shift from private enterprise to government service challenged him to adopt a new mindset, working closely with civil servants and community leaders.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the outgone mayor’s tenure, Bourdex expressed pride in the improvements made across LGAs in Abia State and extended his appreciation to Governor Otti and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, for their unwavering support.
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