The director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, claims that Nigerians no longer believe the government can help them.
Friday, Okonjo-Iweala stated virtually at the inauguration of the 100-member Abia transition council that the incoming governor, Alex Otti, must run a pure and transparent administration.
The WTO director-general urged the prospective administration to focus on “disruptive strategies rather than traditional operational systems.”
She was quoted by NAN as saying, “I told the governor-elect that everything we do will depend on this administration.”
“Nigerians, particularly those on that side of the south-east, have lost faith in the government.
They have lost faith in the government’s ability to provide for them.
“They provide themselves with boreholes, electricity, and every other amenity.
“Although that is entrepreneurial, it is not the proper way to run a business.”
She added that Otti’s “better and cleaner, transparent governance” should serve as an example for everyone.
Okonjo-Iweala hoped that through Otti, “there is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to position Abia on the right side of development and modernization through disruptive digital technology.”
She advised the incoming governor to consider how to make Abia compatible with the modern world and board the train to the future of humanity.
Okonjo-Iweala also urged Nigerians living abroad who are able to do so to return to their home state in an effort to recover the country and boost its development.
Otti commended everyone who accepted his invitation to join the council for helping to “create a new Abia”
Otti was somewhat surprised by the jubilation that greeted the proclamation of his victory in the governorship race.
According to him, Okonjo-Iweala has repeatedly informed him that “she does not envy him.”
The governor-elect added that his 42-page manifesto details his plans for the state and will serve as a guide for the transition council in carrying out its duties.
“But the good news is that we are prepared to do this work, and I have high hopes that I will be able to utilise your expertise,” he said.
According to him, Aba was selected for the inauguration due to his intentions “to attack the deterioration” there head-on.
Vincent Onyenkpa, chairman of the transition council, characterised the council’s mission as “extremely daunting, but intended to assist Otti in achieving the expected miracle in the state.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proclaimed Otti the winner of the governorship election in Abia in March.
Otti received 175,467 ballots to defeat Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Okey Ahiwe, who received 88,547 votes.