“Take a Bribe, You’re Fired” – Gov. Alex Otti Warns Appointees in Fresh Anti-Corruption Stand

Governor Alex Otti has declared war on bribery in Abia State, warning that any official caught will be fired without plea. He insists his government is about dignity, not corruption, citing the recent recruitment of 5,394 teachers without bribes. But why is Otti taking such a tough stance now? Read the full story.

 

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has issued a stern warning to all public officials under his administration, declaring that anyone caught taking bribes or engaging in corruption will be fired immediately—without plea or apology.

 

Speaking during a visit to the Abayi District of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Aba, and later at the Living Word Ministries International during the 50th wedding anniversary of its General Overseer, Brother Emma Okorie, Governor Otti made it clear that the era of bribery, favoritism, and backdoor dealings in Abia State is over.

 

According to him, his entry into politics was never about personal wealth or ambition but about one central mission—restoring the dignity of the Abia people.

 

“If anybody tells you to bring money for anything, he is a liar and a dupe. Under this administration, no one will collect bribes from you before doing what is right. If you are entitled to something, you will get it without lobbying or bribing anyone,” Otti declared before a cheering congregation.

 

The Governor cited the recent recruitment of 5,394 teachers in the state as proof of his zero-tolerance stance on corruption. He emphasized that nobody paid a dime, not even those who personally knew him.

 

“Some people who know me very well came to me. I told them, go and write the exam. If you pass, you will be employed. If you fail, you will not. That is the standard, and that is how we will continue,” Otti said, insisting that bribery and corruption will never be allowed under his watch.

 

He further stressed that any official who tries to tarnish the integrity of his administration will be sacked instantly:

 

“If you get involved in bribery and corruption, you are gone. We are intolerant of corruption. Nobody can plead for you. This government is about dignity, service, and truth.”

 

The Governor added that those who are uncomfortable with his insistence on doing the right thing will not get apologies from him or his team.

 

“Those who are not happy with what we are doing, we will not apologize to them. They have had their time. Now, the line has been drawn. From now on, Abia is on the rise,” he said.

 

During the service, Pastor Macaulay Nwosu of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church commended the Governor for ending the culture of bribe-for-job recruitment. He shared testimonies from church members who benefitted from the merit-based employment process and hailed Otti for restoring fairness in public service.

 

At the Living Word Ministries International, Brother Emma Okorie described Otti’s emergence as an answer to decades of prayers for true leadership in Abia State. He praised the Governor’s development strides in road construction, healthcare, schools, and workers’ welfare.

 

Governor Otti also announced that several completed projects in Aba—including Port Harcourt Road and Ohanku Road—will be commissioned by President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, on October 3rd, 2025.

 

The Governor, who attended the 50th wedding anniversary of Bro. Emma Okorie and his wife, congratulated the couple and described their marriage as a powerful testimony to younger generations.

 

He was accompanied by lawmakers including Hon. Fyne Ahuama (Osisioma South), Hon. Iheancho Nwaogu (Osisioma North), Hon. Aaron Uzodike (Aba North), and Osisioma Mayor, Hon. Chidi Agu, alongside other government officials.

 

Political watchers say Otti’s blunt warning against bribery marks a bold break from Abia’s troubled past and sets a new tone of accountability for his administration.