Otti finds his niche, by Emeka Obasi

With the current leadership deficit facing the country, Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti believes the best way out is for competent people to jump into the murky water of politics instead of crying buckets over non performance.

Otti was a banker, rising to the enviable position of Managing Director before veering into politics. So far, he has been able to change the narrative and may have an easy ride back to Government House, Umuahia in 2027 without snatching ballot boxes.

At TheNiche 2026 Annual Lecture which held in Lagos on April 23, 2026, the Abia State chief executive held nothing back as he encouraged well meaning citizens to offer themselves as servants of the people and not sit back as spectators awaiting positive results.

He said: “The importance of participating in the political process has little to do with convenience or comfort, it is rather a patriotic duty to our fatherland that we can no longer shy away from.”

The governor has grown in experience. It was not an easy road to Government House Umuahia. Twice he tried to walk his way but powerful extraneous forces blocked the move. Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi 11, boldly announced that he was sure Otti won gubernatorial elections twice, before 2023.

TheNiche event was not a political campaign. Otti mounted the podium as Guest Speaker. It turned out to be more of an endorsement to continue the good works in God’s Own State. Former Imo State military governor, Gen. Ike Nwachukwu proudly proclaimed himself a true son of Abia with these words : “ I can now proudly say that I am from Abia State.”

Royal Father of the Day, Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, towering like Nwachukwu, added his strong voice. “In Nigeria, there is too much politics and less governance. Alex came to Diamond Bank, turned things around and got a second term as Managing Director.” Of course, Agbogidi spoke authoritatively having served as Chairman of the bank.

Sanusi and Otti have come a long way. Both proved themselves as bankers and worked together in 2009. The former was Managing Director of First Bank before moving to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as governor. The latter was Executive Director.

The Emir, a bundle of humour prayed for more bankers to emerge as state governors. He named Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State and  Mohammed Bago of Niger State as other examples. I wanted to remind him of Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

We also had in the past, Isa Yuguda, Willie Obiano, AbdulFattah Ahmed and Udom Emmanuel. Ex – Central Bank governors, like Dr. Clement Isong and Prof Chukwuma Soludo,  also wandered into politics.

Otti kept preaching participation. “I will never stop stop talking about the critical connection between politics and the economy, how politics drives critical economic outcomes and why none of us can afford the luxury of political indifference.

“Understandably, a lot of people are disillusioned by the disappointments of the years past but again, the irrefutable truth is that things would continue to deteriorate if we insist on staying away from the field of play.”

Achebe went further to advocate the inclusion of independent candidates in our elections. I agree with the Igwe. Nigerian political parties are not tailored to always bring out the best candidates. It is therefore little surprise that dunderheads and bandits may be found in government.

Master of Ceremony Okey Bakassi was at his best. He cracked ribs. When Moderator, Prof. Anthony Kila recognised two traditional rulers, Okey nearly ‘killed’ him. Okey Bakassi is an Eze – Elect and reminded everyone in the hall that a very important King, himself, was erroneously omitted.

Something struck me. General Nwachukwu wore all black. Agbogidi appeared in all white. Both endorsed Otti. It is therefore correct to say that the endorsement was put down in Black and White. As Chief of Naval Staff in 1993/1994, Admiral Allison Madueke wore white. As the Guest Speaker vibrated, the Oji River Elder did not see any storm.

The last time I attended The Niche Lecture, venue was Muson Centre, Onikan. This year, the organisers chose the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Victoria Island. Otti’s endorsement has gone global. Lest I forget, Nwachukwu was Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1991.

The crowd was full of distinguished Nigerians. Professors Anya O. Anya and Pat Utomi mingled with Dr. Uma Eleazu and Mazi Sam Ohuabubwa. If all guests decided to move to Umuahia from there, Chief Chidi Anyaegbu was ready with his Chisco buses.

Accomodation in Lagos would not pose a problem. Chief Charles Odunukwe was there, ready to offer Colonades, Ikoyi, if the need arose. Abia Women came in full force, their yellow top stood out. Next time, I expect them to market  Akwete.

Managing Director of The Niche newspapers, Ikechukwu Amaechi and his colleague Dr. Emeka  Alex Duru, Editor of the paper,  are doing a marvellous job bringing distinguished Nigerians to the fore.

We saw former governors Babatunde Fashola and Rotimi Amaechi speak. In the past they brought Prof. Remi Sonaiya, Dr. Christopher Kolade and Alhaji Tanko Yakasai to chair the event. The next edition is pregnant. Some of us may heed Otti’s call.

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