Abia State: Governor Alex Otti Names Umuahia Bus Terminal After Prof. Nnenna Oti in Recognition of 2023 Electoral Integrity Role
By Chinyere Anosike
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
UMUAHIA — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has immortalised the Returning Officer in the 2023 governorship election, Professor Nnenna Oti, by naming the newly constructed multimodal bus terminal in Umuahia after her.
The facility, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, was officially designated the “Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal” in recognition of her conduct during the 2023 governorship election in Abia State.
Governor Otti praised Prof. Oti for what he described as exceptional courage and integrity in resisting pressure to manipulate the outcome of the election, noting that her actions helped strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
According to the governor, her stance marked a defining moment in Abia’s democratic journey, symbolising accountability and moral responsibility in public service.
“By standing firmly by the truth and refusing to treat her role as an invitation to a sudden banquet, she reminded us that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary results by simply saying no — no to manipulation, injustice, and conspiracy,” Otti stated.
He added that the recognition extended beyond Prof. Oti, serving also as a tribute to Nigerians who resisted electoral manipulation and defended the mandate of the people during the 2023 general elections.
The governor further commended electoral officials, security agencies, party agents, and citizens who demonstrated courage in the face of intimidation and contributed to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
Speaking on the transport infrastructure project, Otti said his administration remains committed to developing a modern, integrated transportation system across Abia State.
He noted that the government has moved beyond conventional road construction to adopt a more structured urban mobility framework aimed at improving efficiency and orderliness.
“The days of playing small are over. We shall no longer confine ourselves to the margins, nor think less of our ability, for we belong to the lineage of dreamers, thinkers, and builders,” the governor said.
He explained that the newly commissioned terminal was designed to accommodate over 340 buses simultaneously and constructed to meet modern standards of safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.
According to him, the terminal has been integrated with newly completed road junctions, bus shelters, and the state’s emerging electric bus transport system.
Otti disclosed that about 20 electric buses are already operating within intra-city and inter-city routes, with additional units expected to join the fleet in the coming weeks.
He further stated that the facility is equipped with independent power and water supply systems to ensure uninterrupted operations.
The governor cautioned against vandalism, improper waste disposal, and theft within the terminal environment, urging residents to support government infrastructure through responsible conduct and timely tax payments.
In her remarks, Prof. Nnenna Oti said she acted strictly in accordance with her conscience during the 2023 governorship election.
“I simply did what I have done all my life — to do the right thing. The mandate of the people must stand,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to the governor for the honour and pledged to continue upholding justice, fairness, and integrity in public service regardless of political or personal interests.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Chimezie Ukegbu, described the project as a significant milestone in the state’s transportation reform agenda aimed at improving urban mobility, safety, and efficiency.
The ceremony also included a minute of silence in honour of the late former Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sonny Onwuma, whom Governor Otti described as a committed public servant whose contributions to the sector would be remembered.
The inauguration event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, and members of the public.
