• Receives transition committee’s report
• Davido, Phyno, Basketmouth for inauguration of gov-elect
Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti, who is preparing for his inauguration on May 29, has said the mandate given to him by Abians is sacrosanct.
Speaking, on Sunday, while receiving report of the transition council he set up to draw a roadmap for his incoming government, Otti said his ‘purported’ candidacy nullification is nothing to worry about.
He said: “Eternal vigilance is what is required when you have enemies around you.
“We will be sworn in on May 29, complete our four years and seek renewal of the mandate. I can assure you that Abia people will renew the mandate, and we will do another four years. Abia people will be happy and all these are by the grace of God.”
The 101-member council is led by Partner and COO of KPMG, Victor Onyenkpa, and former Executive Chairman of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Ifueko Omogui-Okaru.
Speaking for the first time, since last Friday that a Kano State-based Federal High Court reportedly nullified his candidacy of the Labour Party in the March 25 governorship election, Otti advised Abia people to disregard “the weird court order.”
He thanked members of the council for making his job of policy implementation easy.
“Listening to the presentation of the chairman, I will say that my job has been made easy by the committee. Granted that some of the things that you have recommended are things we have talked about, many of them are also things that are new.”
And even the things that we have talked about, you have brought in a sharper relief and focus. So, it becomes easier to implement. I must say thank you to all of you.”
He assured the committee members that he would justify the efforts they put into their job, saying: “The recommendations you have made will be implemented.”
Meanwhile, some of Nigeria’s best contemporary musical and comedy artists have been scheduled to perform at Otti’s inauguration as Abia State’s 10th governor.
Leading the pack of the ‘A-list’ artists are the Afropop singer and globally acclaimed star, David Adeleke, better known as Davido.
The Omo Baba l’owo crooner has a history with Otti and his family, who had provided a home and succour for young David, when tragedy struck the Adelekes years back with the loss of their matriarch.
Davido’s father, Deji Adeleke and Otti have remained close family friends ever since. So, also, are their kids.
Also, expected to be on the bill is another Afropop singer and rap star, Phyno, whose real name is Chibuzor Azubuike.
The event will also feature Mr. Raw, Ruff Coin and Rugged Man.
Stand-up comedy icon, Bright Okpocha, otherwise known as Basket Mouth, would be the event’s anchor. He would lead a coterie of Nigeria’s best in the humour business to entertain guests.
Featuring in this cadre are Nedu Wazobia, Diamond Okechi and Funny Bone.
Manager of the event and Artistic Director, Jay Martins, says the line up is a pointer to the reality that a new Abia has finally emerged.
