The Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, Most Rev. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, has said the achievements of Abia State Governor Alex Otti will speak for him as he seeks re-election in 2027.
Echema, who described Otti as a man of integrity, said the governor had demonstrated his commitment to good governance through the projects and initiatives of his administration across the state.
The bishop spoke on Sunday at the Christ the King Cathedral, Asa Road, Aba, during a ceremony marking his 40th priestly anniversary.
He expressed appreciation to Otti, priests, Catholic faithful, bishops and other guests who gathered to celebrate the milestone.
Echema particularly thanked the governor for agreeing to support the construction of a retirement home for Catholic priests in the diocese, recalling that he had discussed the project with Otti less than three months earlier.
According to him, the governor's response to the request demonstrated his commitment to keeping his word.
“Let me go to our amiable governor. It is not up to three months we invited you here and then we cornered you and presented our needs,” he said.
“I mentioned that day that I am dealing with a governor with integrity. And I have no fear of any contradiction to repeat it here. We are dealing with a man with integrity. If you are in doubt, you go to Aba. He is a man of integrity.
“I am telling you, Otti, I have said it before, I am not campaigning for you and I don’t need to campaign for you. The work that you have done so far will campaign for you.
“You will continue to go higher and higher and I know you will do it. Thank you so very much. I’m sure the priests are very happy. You have taken down our heavy load. There are so many things to do. So, thank you for this wonderful gesture.”
The bishop also thanked God for sustaining him throughout his four decades in the priesthood, while appreciating the Catholic hierarchy, priests, faithful and other well-wishers for honouring him.
Responding, Otti congratulated Echema on the anniversary and prayed for continued divine strength and good health for the bishop.
The governor described the bishop as a “rare gift to Nigeria”, saying completing 40 years of priestly service was a significant achievement.
“We are very happy that our Father has clocked 40 years in this service and it is a rare privilege to do 40 years. We thank God that he has good health. So that is the grace of God,” Otti said.
He also confirmed his commitment to the proposed retirement home, saying the project would be funded by private foundations and individuals rather than the state government.
Otti recalled that Echema had approached him about the need for a facility where retired Catholic priests, bishops and other clergy could be accommodated.
“I know that there is something that the Bishop has so much passion for. He called me sometime and said, ‘this is what I want to do.’ That is a retirement home for priests, bishops, reverend fathers, and I believe Rev sisters too,” he said.
“We want to take that problem off you. We will fund it. So, work will start very soon. And I know it’s not government’s fund. It’s from Alex Otti Foundation, Unubiko Foundation, Ide John Udeagbara Foundation and private concerns. So, it’s not a government thing. We will do it to our standard.”
Otti also used the occasion to provide an update on the development of the Abia Airport project at Nsulu.
He said construction work had progressed significantly, with the airport runway nearing completion.
According to the governor, work on the runway would soon be completed.
The event attracted political, religious and community leaders, including the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; local government mayors; members of the State Executive Council and senior government officials.
The Archbishop of the Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Lucius Ugorji, as well as bishops from across the country, were also present.
Other dignitaries included the Chairman of Unubiko Foundation, Chief James Ume (Ike Abam), and friends and associates of the governor.
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