Otti reaffirms merit-based appointments, plans partnership to revive alma mater
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has expressed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Anglican Church to ensure the effective and efficient operation of Ngwa High School, Aba, his alma mater.
A statement issued by Ukoha Njoku-Ukoha, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Monday, revealed that Otti made the announcement while hosting members of the Old Boys Association of Ngwa High School, primarily from the 1982 and 1983 graduating classes.
The governor disclosed that his administration had already initiated the rehabilitation of iconic structures in the school, such as the Pollard House, Engineering House, Administrative Block, and other facilities.
The statement quoted Otti saying, “We intend to hold a discussion with the Anglican Church so that we can collaborate as a government to ensure that the school is effectively managed. If the school is not properly managed, people will look at us and ask, what are the old boys doing?”
He clarified that although the school is under the management of the Anglican Church, the government and alumni still have roles to play.
“There are a few things that I saw that I wasn’t happy with. I had contacted the leadership of the Anglican Church to say it’s either the government takes back the school or we collaborate,” he stated, drawing applause from the Old Boys.
Otti revealed that the Anglican Church leadership welcomed the idea of collaboration, adding, “I am expecting the Bishop so that we can discuss.”
He also urged the alumni to contribute their resources and expertise to the school’s development, noting, “The school needs your help.”
On Merit-Based Appointments
Responding to commendations from the Old Boys for appointing their members to various public offices, Otti emphasized that appointments under his administration are strictly merit-based.
“Let me let the Permanent Secretary know that I didn’t know he went to Ngwa High School. Our appointments are strictly on merit.
“You remember that you wrote an exam, and because you passed, you proceeded to the level of oral interview with me, and you passed. If you didn’t pass, whether you are from Ngwa High School or not, you would not have been made a Permanent Secretary,” he stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to inclusivity, adding, “Everything we do is strictly on merit and we do not discriminate. Once you have something to offer, the state has a need for you.”
Otti Declines Award
In line with his inaugural pledge, Otti declined an award presented to him by the Class of 1983.
He reiterated his decision not to accept any awards, chieftaincy titles, or honorary doctorate degrees during his tenure, as stated in paragraph 44 of his May 2023 inaugural address.
The Old Boys Association expressed gratitude to Governor Otti for granting them audience despite his busy schedule. They commended his transformational leadership, describing him as a “superstar governor” whose administration has brought visible development across the state.
“For the first time, knowledge and skills are being deployed in administering the State. You have assembled skillfully qualified and competent people to deliver the dividends of democracy to Abians and residents,” they said.
In his vote of thanks, Hon. Uche Nwogu, immediate past Mayor of Aba South and a member of the Class of 1983, declared that Otti’s re-election bid in 2027 was no longer his decision to make.
“The people have decided that you must run because your good works across the State will make it difficult for anyone to challenge you,” he said.
Joining the governor to receive the Old Boys were notable alumni, including Sir Prince Uzor Nwachukwu (Class of 1985), Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Chief Boniface Alozie Uche (Class of 1979), Chairman of Abia Comets FC.
