Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has broken his silence and issued a robust response to mounting criticism against his administration, notably from Nollywood actress Doris Ogala and former governor Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. The governor dismissed their claims as inconsequential noise.
The Core of the Controversy
The dispute ignited after Senator Orji Uzor Kalu alleged that Governor Otti was showcasing projects originally completed during his own tenure. Actress Doris Ogala publicly backed the senator's claims in a viral video, stating, "What my boss, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, said about Governor Alex Otti is true. Alex Otti is only repainting roads that were originally built by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu."
This accusation directly challenged the narrative of progress and new development championed by the Otti administration since taking office.
Otti's Forceful Rebuttal
Addressing the issue at a public function, Governor Otti urged the people of Abia to disregard what he termed "baseless chatter." He framed the criticism as a deliberate attempt by detractors to shift focus from his government's ongoing reforms.
"I want us to just dismiss it as noise, you know, and it's always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise," Otti declared. He minimized the influence of his critics, describing them as a "tiny minority" whose opinions "matter the least."
Striking a defiant and spiritual tone, the governor reassured his supporters, stating, "God doesn't make mistakes. And he doesn't have an unfinished project. So, I don't want anybody to lose breath or worry about it." He emphasized that his administration was a "divine project" and affirmed he would not lose sleep over the allegations.
Public Reaction and Social Media Echo
The governor's "empty barrel" retort has sparked significant reactions online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the political squabble. Comments compiled from social media show a divided but engaged public.
One user, @Captainjossy, supported the governor, commenting, "Action (providing the citizens basic amenities and facilities) speaks louder than noise." Another, @adumetaj123, agreed, writing, "You are right sir empty barrels all of them. Continue doing your good work your 2027 election is already secured."
A more analytical take came from @Judecstephen, who noted, "Governor Alex Otti’s words are deceptively simple, yet they carry the weight of disciplined leadership... The ability to filter out triviality is itself a mark of wisdom."
This incident is not Ogala's first foray into public controversy. She was previously in the news for accusing popular clergyman Pastor Chris Okafor of financial misconduct, claiming he received $60,000 from fraudsters through his church account.
The ongoing exchange highlights the intense scrutiny faced by the Abia State government and underscores the potent intersection of celebrity influence, political legacy, and public accountability in Nigerian politics. Governor Otti's strategy appears to be one of dismissive confidence, aiming to project an image of focus and divine mandate amidst the clamour.
