I’ll Retire After My Governorship, I’ve No Presidential Ambition, States Governor Otti

*Explains his visit to Nnamdi Kanu

Boniface Okoro in Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has denied nursing any presidential bid, reiterating that he would retire from active politics soon after his governorship.

Otti made this clear, weekend, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Government House, Umuahia, while addressing a viral video criticising his visit to Sokoto to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The post had accused him of hiding under the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) leader’s case to pursue his presidential ambition. 

But Otti denied nursing any political ambition beyond his governorship mandate.

“One of the things he (the video maker) talked about was my ambition after being Governor. And I had said it before, and I want to say it again, that by the time I’m done with governorship, I will retire. 

“So, I don’t have presidential ambition, nor vice-presidential ambition. I also don’t have senatorial ambition. So, when I finish with governorship, I will go.

“I came for a mission. And when I deliver that mission, I will give way to younger people. So, he was talking of Igbo presidency. I don’t even understand what that means. 

“So, I think if his thesis is based on that assumption, the assumption has collapsed, because he won’t see me on the ballot,” Otti said. 

The governor explained that it was essential for politicians to know when to quit, especially after completing their mandate.

Regarding his visit to Nnamdi Kanu, Otti said, “I opened discussions on his case 24 months ago at the highest level on Nnamdi Kanu. Going to see him is the right thing to do. He’s from my state, Umuahia North. I’m not a lawyer, but I’m exploring administrative avenues to address the issue.

“So, my position is that it would be insensitive of me to sit here and say one of our own who has been convicted should die when we have an opportunity to discuss, negotiate, and sue for peace. So, that is my position,” he explained.

On Nigeria’s unity, he stated that, “I’m not a supporter of disintegration. It’s insensitive to ignore an opportunity to discuss and negotiate for peace.”

He condemned the Operation Python Dance, noting that some of “the recordings that the gentleman put in his video, I cannot vouch for the veracity.”