‘She Saved Democracy in Abia’ — Gov. Otti Immortalises Prof. Nnenna Oti With Landmark Bus Terminal

Abia State Governor Alex Otti, has declared that the political transformation currently taking place in the state may never have happened without the courage and integrity displayed by Professor Nnenna Oti during the controversial 2023 governorship election.

The Governor made the emotional declaration on Thursday during the commissioning of the newly completed Professor Nnenna Oti Central Bus Terminal in Umuahia, a major transport infrastructure named in honour of the outgoing Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri.

Addressing government officials, party leaders, supporters and residents at the event, Otti praised Professor Oti for what he described as her unwavering commitment to truth at one of the most critical moments in Abia’s democratic history. According to the Governor, her conduct as Returning Officer during the 2023 governorship election helped preserve the credibility of the electoral process despite intense pressure and widespread tension surrounding the final collation of results.

“Professor Nnenna Oti stood firmly on the side of truth at a critical moment in our State’s history. By doing the right thing despite enormous pressure, she restored public confidence in the electoral process and became a symbol of integrity for future generations,” Otti said.

The governor’s remarks echoed the widespread belief among many residents and supporters that Professor Oti’s refusal to allegedly compromise the collation process ultimately changed the political direction of the state.

During the highly tense 2023 election period, reports of intimidation, pressure and attempts to influence the final outcome dominated public discourse. However, Professor Oti insisted that only duly verified results would be accepted a decision many now credit for ushering in what supporters call a “new Abia.”

Three years after the election, the Otti administration says the impact of that moment is now visible through a wave of infrastructure projects, transport reforms, urban renewal programmes and road reconstruction efforts across the state. The newly commissioned bus terminal is considered one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects. The facility is designed to accommodate over 340 buses simultaneously and features more than 62 air conditioning units, 30 public conveniences, commercial shops, restaurants and motel facilities.

Governor Otti described the project as part of a broader transportation reform agenda aimed at building a modern, organised and efficient transport system for Abia residents. He disclosed that the state government had already deployed 20 electric buses for intra-city and inter-city transportation, adding that more buses are expected soon.

Beyond the transport terminal, the governor also commissioned several road projects across Umuahia North and Umuahia South Local Government Areas as part of activities marking his third anniversary in office.

The roads commissioned include the Orpet–Umuafai–Lodu–Ahiaeke–Ndume Road, Madonna Hospital Road, Library Avenue Road, Nsukwe–Umuogo Road and the reconstructed Tower–Onuimo Road.

Otti further announced that the Ahiaeke–Okwuta–Bende Road would now be named after late elder statesman Chief JOJ Okezie, while the dualised Tower–Onuimo Road has been renamed Uma Ukpai Way in honour of renowned evangelist Uma Ukpai.

According to the Governor, his administration remains committed to ensuring that visitors entering Abia immediately notice visible improvements in infrastructure, public services and urban development.

Responding after the honour, Professor Oti thanked the Abia State Government for the recognition and insisted that public officials must always stand for truth regardless of intimidation or pressure.

She maintained that her role during the 2023 governorship election was simply about ensuring that the votes of Abians counted.

For many residents present at the ceremony, however, the recognition of Professor Nnenna Oti carried a deeper meaning beyond politics and infrastructure. To them, she has become a lasting symbol of courage, integrity and resistance against electoral compromise.