Governor Alex Otti has issued a strong warning against the emergence of individuals with questionable character as leaders of community development unions across Abia State.
Speaking on Wednesday during a meeting with members of the Abia State Association of Igbo Town Unions, led by its President General, George Mgbeorurukwe, Governor Otti highlighted the need for upright and credible leadership in towns and communities.
“We don’t want thieves. We don’t want drug dealers, and we don’t want 419 people as leaders of town unions,” he said firmly. “Because if your leader is a thief, he will teach people to steal. If he is a drug addict, if you arrest somebody, he would want to bribe you to release him.”
The governor’s remarks come amid growing concern that some community union leadership positions in the state have been occupied by individuals with shady backgrounds, especially those whose source of wealth cannot be explained.
Governor Otti stressed that community leaders must be people who serve as positive role models, not individuals who mislead others or promote criminal behaviour. He explained that leadership at the grassroots level plays a critical role in shaping the values and behaviours of young people and entire communities.
According to the governor, his administration is closely monitoring town union leadership across the state to ensure that only credible people are allowed to hold such important positions.
“We are interested in knowing who the leaders of town unions are. Community development starts from leadership, and when you put the wrong people in charge, it affects everything,” he said.
He urged the Association to return to the grassroots and ensure that towns elect leaders who are honest, respected, and capable of contributing positively to development.
Governor Otti also called on town union leaders to support security agencies by providing useful and credible information that will help reduce crime in rural areas.
“We need intelligence. We need cooperation. Nobody can govern a state like this without the help of the people. So, we expect you to help us with information that can help prevent or solve crimes,” he added.
He stressed that security and development are connected, and a safe community is more likely to attract investment and witness progress.
As part of his administration’s support for the activities of the town unions, Governor Otti approved the group’s request for a piece of land in the state where it can build its permanent office.
“We are going to give you land for your office. You need a place you can call your own, where you can meet and organise your programmes,” he announced.
Town unions, also known as community development associations, play a vital role in grassroots governance in southeastern Nigeria. They are often responsible for initiating and managing local projects such as building roads, schools, town halls, water supply, and health centres.
They also serve as a link between the government and the people, especially in rural areas where formal government presence may be limited. However, in recent years, concerns have grown over the integrity of some town union leaders, especially those who are believed to have enriched themselves through illegal means.
By addressing these concerns, Governor Otti hopes to set a new standard for leadership that reflects the values of honesty, hard work, and service.
Since assuming office, Governor Otti has repeatedly spoken about his vision for a new Abia — one that is transparent, secure, and development-driven. His recent statement to the town unions is in line with this broader agenda of promoting good governance, not just at the state level, but also within the smallest units of society.
He expressed confidence that with the right people in place, communities across Abia State can experience meaningful growth and peace.
“We want leaders that people will be proud of, not those who use community positions to enrich themselves or cover up their past,” he said.
