Abia Governor Alex Otti launches CNG plant, smart schools and rail plan while defending his administration

Abia State Governor Alex Otti said his administration is ready to face any legal challenge over local government administration, promising to respond promptly if a lawsuit is filed.

He backed a US$13.1 million compressed natural gas (CNG) mother‑station project in Owaza, Ukwa West LGA, describing it as aligned with the state’s industrialisation agenda and a boost for clean energy and manufacturing. The governor also announced the delivery of additional electric buses for the state’s transport fleet.

Otti inaugurated the Umuomayiukwu Smart School, one of twenty smart schools being built across the state, aiming to serve about 6,000 pupils with modern facilities, digital learning, AI and robotics. He linked the education drive to broader economic development.

In a media briefing, Otti rejected Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma’s claim that all South‑East governors had pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re‑election, emphasizing that any decision rests with voters and that he will field his Labour Party’s own candidate.

He also revealed plans for a regional rail network linking South‑East and South‑South states—connecting ports and industrial hubs such as Port Harcourt, Aba, Enugu and Akwa Ibom—to improve trade and integration.