Abia State Governor Alex Otti's perchant for bending the rules to conform to his egoistical whims and caprices shines forth again as he  finally sneaked into existence his carefully  selected cronies as members of Abia State Independent Electoral Commission, ABSIEC, after sacking the former members of the electoral umpire despite their statutory tenure 


dailyledger.com.ng reports that Otti, as leader of the opposition severely lashed out at then government in power for failing to hold local government council elections and promised to hold same election if elected to office. 


Ironically,  Otti on assumption as governor in 2023 refused to perform the basic requirements of inaugurating Transition Committees for the LG administration as a precursor to holding elections until after over six months in office. His reluctance to hold LG elections manifested in his refusal to initiate moves towards that direction six months after  when he renewed the mandate of the Transition Committees


While inaugurating the ABSIEC, he charged them to be  competent,  accountable and to  give their best.


According to the Governor “To whom much is given, they say much more is expected. It’s a challenge to be appointed in this administration; why do I say so, because this administration is founded on competence, accountability and responsibility”


“The demands of your office would be very very heavy, the expectations of our people are very very high, but I do not doubt that you’re going to live up to your calling”


Otti reminded them that their appointment came freely to them, without anyone requesting money from them, and made it clear that his administration has zero tolerance for corruption.


Otti further advised them not to bow to the pressure of compromise as such will amount to suicide, and went further to express optimism that they would succeed given their backgrounds.


In their response,  the Chairman, ABSIEC, Professor George Chima thanked the Governor for their appointments and described it as an honor being part of the team of the Governor and promised to justify the confidence reposed in them, with the assurance that they will discharge their new assignments with commitment and sincerity.


Other Board members of ABSIEC include Dr Kelechi Okere, Mr Joseph Akara, Mrs Ekele Queen Ahuchaogu, Ms Bertha Ehumadu, Mr Nkemdirim Kalu and Onyemachi Elekwa, secretary .


Present at the ceremony include the Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the SSG Professor Kenneth Kalu, Chief of Staff to the Governor,  Caleb Ajagba , Head of Service, Dr Queen Ngozi Obioma and other government functionaries.


daily Ledger.com.ng gathered that the governor had quietly sacked the Professor Mkpa Mkpa-led ABSIEC inaugurated by his predecessor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.