Abia Governor Says Younger Nigerians Should Take Over Leadership
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said he will retire from politics after completing his tenure, urging political leaders to create opportunities for younger Nigerians to take over leadership.
Otti made the remarks in Umuahia on Thursday while speaking on the importance of good governance.
“Once I finish this one, I will retire. Why do I say so? I want the young people to take over,” the governor said.
He also ruled out seeking a Senate seat or pursuing any other political position after his tenure.
“I keep saying it, I’m not interested in anything else. I don’t even want to go to the Senate. I’m not interested,” he said.
Otti further said he had no intention of becoming a political godfather, adding that he did not support the practice.
“I don’t want to be a godfather. And I don’t tolerate godfathers,” he said.
The governor argued that effective governance would make citizens resist any attempt to return to what he described as the old order.
He said political leaders should not remain in power indefinitely, stressing that younger people were increasingly better trained and equipped to contribute to governance.
“We should stop this sit-tight; it’s only you. Not only you, it also can’t be only you. There are smarter, more trained, better trained, better equipped younger people. Our children, we need to give them opportunities,” Otti said.