Earlier on Thursday, 17th April, the Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti alongside the Presidential Flag-bearer of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Election, and former Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi joined the Catholic faithful and family at the Christ the King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba to commemorate the 2025 Chrism Mass.
Governor Otti during his short speech, thanked the Church for the support they have been giving his Government. He also appreciated them for being part of his political journey since 2014. Governor Otti promised to continue serving the interest of the people of Abia State. He illustrated with biblical references, Psalm 118:22, Matthew 21:42, and Acts 4:11, how the rejected stones of Aba and Abia State have become the cornerstone of the building. The Governor pledged to continue supporting the Church.
In his remarks, Mr. Peter Obi who was elevated to “Okwute Ndi Nigeria’ by Governor Otti, pleaded with the Church to continue praying for Nigeria. He reiterated his signature slogan that leadership is the challenge of Nigeria. He admonished leaders across Nigeria to emulate Governor Alex Otti by using public resources for the welfare of the people.
The Bishop of Aba Diocese, Bishop, Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema thanked both leaders for joining the Church in the 2025 Chrism Mass and invited Governor Otti to come again and again until he is baptised to become a Catholic just like his dear wife. Bishop Ndubueze lauded Governor Otti for his infrastructural strides across the State, especially for cleaning-up Aba and opening-up Port-Harcourt Road which has opened access and drastically shortened travel time to Catholic Parishes along the corridor.
Governor Otti was joined in the Chrism Mass by the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the Member representing Aba North State Constituency, Hon. Aaron Uzodike, the member representing Aba Central State Constituency, Hon. Ucheonye Steven, the Mayor of Aba South LGA, Hon. Obilor Anyanwu, the Mayor of Aba North LGA, Hon. Timothy Iheke, the Former Mayor of Aba North LGA, Ide John Udeagbala and a host of others.
