By Isaac Mission 

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has clarified that the 17 elected local government chairmen and 184 councillors in the state are to remain in office for four years, effectively ending speculation that their tenure would expire in 2026.

Otti made the clarification during the August edition of his monthly media interaction, “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.

The tenure of the elected local government officials, who emerged from the November 2, 2024 council elections, had generated debate in the state, with some suggesting that they would leave office after two years under the previous legal framework.

The governor, however, explained that the relevant local government law was amended by the Abia State House of Assembly before the 2024 election, changing the tenure of council chairmen and councillors to four years.

According to Otti, the amendment was deliberately made ahead of the election to establish a four-year tenure for the elected officials.

With the amended provision, the serving council chairmen and councillors are expected to remain in office until 2028, in line with the applicable law.

Abia launches citizen engagement centre

The governor also announced the establishment of a technology-based Citizen Engagement Centre designed to provide residents with a direct channel to communicate with the state government.

Otti said the centre includes a dedicated helpline and email platform through which residents can report issues, raise concerns and seek greater accountability from government agencies.

He said the initiative was part of his administration’s efforts to strengthen public participation and make governance more accessible to citizens.

Otti raises concern over health challenges among youths

Speaking on healthcare, the governor expressed concern about what he described as an increase in serious illnesses among young people.

He specifically mentioned cancer, kidney failure, brain tumours and stroke, noting that some patients are already requiring costly procedures, including kidney and other organ transplants.

Otti urged residents to take preventive healthcare seriously, particularly by paying closer attention to their diets and general lifestyle.

The governor further disclosed that the Abia State Government spent more than N500 million in August to provide assistance to sick people, elderly residents and other vulnerable members of society.

He assured residents that supporting people facing difficult circumstances would remain a priority of his administration.

Otti said the welfare of Abia residents would continue to guide the policies and programmes of his government.