LG Autonomy: Ngwa Rangers Push for Free & Fair Elections | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Ngwa Rangers Presses Governor Alex Otti to Ensure Free and Fair Local Government Elections | #NwokeukwuMascot

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In a recent statement, the Ngwa Rangers, a prominent socio-political organization that represents the collective interests of Ukwa-La-Ngwa people, has responded to Ukpai Kalu’s article titled "Alex Otti: The People's Champion," which lauded Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his decision to conduct Local Government Elections. While the Rangers acknowledged the importance of this move, they were quick to urge Governor Otti to go beyond promises and ensure that these elections are genuinely free, fair, and transparent.

Ukpai Kalu’s tribute portrayed Governor Otti as a visionary leader committed to bringing the dividends of democracy to the grassroots. The article painted Otti’s decision to conduct Local Government Elections as a historic milestone in Abia State's political landscape. However, the Ngwa Rangers, through their Publicity Secretary Kingsley Ihesiaba, emphasized the need to differentiate between rhetoric and reality.

“While we appreciate the enthusiasm and praise for Governor Otti’s commitment, it is crucial to separate hype from substance,” Ihesiaba stated. He pointed out that Governor Otti has made several promises in the past that have not materialized, leaving Abians disillusioned. The Rangers view the forthcoming Local Government Elections as a critical test of Otti’s commitment to democracy, accountability, and transparency.

The statement reads in full, “We have taken note of Ukpai Kalu's glowing tribute to Governor Alex Otti, titled "Alex Otti: The People's Champion", wherein he praised Governor of Abia State for taking what he described as a "historic step towards ensuring that the dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots" by his decision to conduct Local Government Elections in the State.

“While Mr. Kalu tried to present Otti's decision as a historic first for Abia State, we appreciate the enthusiasm and praise for Otti's commitment to conducting Local Government Elections. But we must separate hype from substance. Governor Alex Otti has repeatedly disappointed Abians, promising much but delivering little.

“Ukpai Kalu's article reads like a testament from someone who has known Otti for years, highlighting his leadership qualities and vision. We agree that Otti's commitment to conducting Local Government Elections is a step in the right direction. The true test of Otti's leadership lies not in his ability to make promises but in his willingness to deliver on them. Unfortunately, his willingness to deliver is questionable. The facts are glaring. 

“The forthcoming Local Government Elections present a crucial opportunity for Otti to prove his commitment to democracy, accountability, and transparency. He has failed several times. He has been given a second chance. We demand that he ensures the Abia State Independent Election Commission operates with complete independence and transparency.

“The selection of candidates by political parties, the voting process, and the announcement of results must be free from the Governor's interference and manipulation. Anything less would be a betrayal of the people's trust. We urge Governor Otti to remember that he was elected to serve the people, not to impose his will on them.

“The people of Abia deserve to choose their leaders at the grassroots level without fear of intimidation or coercion. We will be watching closely to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and credible manner. 

“Furthermore, we call on Governor Otti to ensure that the elected leaders are allowed to serve their communities without interference from the state government, particularly now that Local Government Chairmen are authorized to receive and manage FAAC allocations.

“The era of handpicked candidates and puppets as 'Billionaire Mayors' must come to an end. In conclusion, we commend Ukpai Kalu for his praise of Otti's vision but must emphasize that true leadership is not about rhetoric or promises. It is about action, accountability, and transparency. We will hold him accountable for his actions and expect him to fulfill his promises.”

In conclusion, while they commended Ukpai Kalu for his praise of Otti’s vision, the Ngwa Rangers underscored that they will closely monitor the upcoming Local Government Elections to ensure they are conducted in a manner that respects the principles of democracy, transparency, and accountability. “The people of Abia deserve a better future, built on these principles. We will be watching, and we will not be silenced,” Ihesiaba concluded.

This statement from the Ngwa Rangers adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding that the forthcoming Local Government Elections in Abia State be conducted without the taint of political interference, as the citizens prepare to exercise their democratic rights at the grassroots level.