Alex Otti, Abia governor, says he will withdraw from active politics after completing his tenure as number one citizen of the state.
The governor spoke on Friday at Government House while responding to a viral video that criticised his recent visit to Nnamdi Kanu and linked it to alleged post-tenure ambitions.
Otti said differences of opinion are inherent in a democratic system and stressed that holding an opinion does not automatically make it correct.
“In the first place, that is the beauty of democracy. So people should hold their opinions, and we respect people’s opinions. And the fact that you hold a different opinion does not mean you are right,” he said.
He said claims that he harbours ambitions beyond his current role are unfounded and inconsistent with his long-stated position.
“One of the things he talked about was my ambition after being governor, and I have said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I am done with governorship, I will retire,” he said.
“So I do not have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also do not have senatorial ambition when I finish with the governorship.
“I came on a mission, and when I deliver that mission, I will give way for younger people.”
The Abia governor dismissed suggestions that his actions were tied to debates around Igbo presidency.
“So he was talking of the Igbo presidency. I do not even understand what that means,” Otti said.
“So I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he will not see me on the ballot.
“When you have done what you have been asked to do, you must take the exit door and give way to other people.”
He criticised the tendency of some former governors to recycle themselves into lower political offices.
“We have seen people here who, after being governor, went back to become local government chairmen. That is not what we are here for. We are not cut out for those kinds of things,” he added.
WHY I VISITED NNAMDI KANU
Otti also addressed his visit to Nnamdi Kanu, saying the engagement predates recent controversies.
“The second point is about Nnamdi Kanu, and I do not want to put this matter in the public space so that it does not derail the discussions that we are having,” he said.
“The truth about it is that exactly 24 months ago, I opened up discussions at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu.”
Otti said his decision to visit Kanu was influenced by state ties and a sense of responsibility.
“And going to see him is the right thing to do, because he comes from my state,” the governor noted.
“In fact, he comes from the local government, Umuahia North, the state capital.
“And there are always different ways to solve a problem. I do not believe that the way to solve a problem is to ignore it.
“I had written extensively, even about Nnamdi Kanu and Operation Python Dance, I think in 2017 or 2018, and I condemned it, Aland I still condemn it.”
The governor said he could not confirm certain allegations referenced in the viral video.
“I cannot vouch for some of the recordings that the gentleman put in his video, where he said Nnamdi Kanu called for mutiny.”
“But I do know that two wrongs do not make a right.
“I am not a lawyer, and if the judiciary says the man has been sentenced to life imprisonment, that is certainly not the end.”
“There is still an opportunity to appeal, and then an opportunity to even go to the Supreme Court,” he concluded.