By George Mgbeleke

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has named Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, as its Man of the Year 2025, citing what it described as an unprecedented reversal of decades of infrastructural collapse, economic decline, and governance failure under successive administrations in the state since 1999.

In its assessment, HURIWA said the scale, speed, and impact of Otti’s achievements since assuming office have clearly outperformed and overshadowed the combined records of former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu, who governed Abia State between 1999 and 2023. The group said that period marked the steady deterioration of public infrastructure, the of Aba as a commercial hub, and widespread allegations of corruption that left the state economically weakened and socially distressed.

HURIWA noted that Aba, once celebrated nationwide as Enyimba City and a thriving centre of indigenous manufacturing, trade, and innovation, became a symbol of state failure under previous administrations. Roads linking markets, industrial clusters, and residential areas were left impassable for years, drainage systems collapsed, flooding became routine, and insecurity drove residents and investors away. According to the group, the neglect during the administrations of Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Ikpeazu led to a mass migration of businesses and skilled workers to Port Harcourt and other neighbouring cities.

The rights group said that when Alex Otti took office, Aba was widely regarded as economically broken and administratively abandoned. However, within a short period, the city has undergone what HURIWA described as a comprehensive revival. Major roads that had been left in disrepair for decades have been reconstructed, reconnecting markets such as Ariaria and other commercial districts, restoring traffic flow, improving security, and extending business activity late into the night.

HURIWA observed that the transformation of Aba under Otti is not cosmetic but structural, noting that the governor’s road infrastructure drive has reopened supply chains, reduced transport costs, and restored investor confidence. The group said the visible changes in Aba alone exceed what the state witnessed cumulatively under the administrations of Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Ikpeazu, despite their repeated public claims of development.

Beyond Aba, HURIWA said Otti’s administration has pursued an inclusive approach to development across Abia State, with road projects and public infrastructure spread across Umuahia, Aba North and South, Isiala Ngwa, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Ukwa East, and Ukwa West. The association described this as a sharp departure from past administrations, which it said concentrated limited projects in select areas while leaving much of the state disconnected and underdeveloped.

The group also highlighted improvements in governance and fiscal discipline, noting that the regular payment of salaries and pensions, settlement of verified debts, and greater transparency in project execution have restored public trust in the Abia State Government. According to HURIWA, these reforms have helped reposition the state as an attractive destination for local and external investment after years of capital flight caused by infrastructural decay and policy inconsistency.

In explaining its decision to honour Otti, HURIWA said Abia’s experience since 2023 has demonstrated that the decay witnessed under previous administrations was not inevitable but the result of leadership choices. The association said the stark contrast between the state of Aba before and after Otti’s emergence underscores the depth of failure under earlier governments and the possibilities that open up when governance is driven by competence and accountability.

HURIWA stated that the revival of Aba has broader national significance, given the city’s historic role as a manufacturing and commercial powerhouse in the South-East. The group said the city’s renewed vibrancy has begun to restore confidence among traders, manufacturers, and investors, reinforcing Aba’s reputation as a hub of enterprise and innovation.

The association further noted that Otti’s performance has reshaped political expectations in Abia, with citizens now demanding measurable outcomes rather than political narratives. According to HURIWA, the administration’s emphasis on quality execution and direct oversight of projects has raised the bar for governance in the state.

By naming Governor Alex Otti as Man of the Year 2025, HURIWA said it was recognising a leadership record that has fundamentally altered Abia State’s trajectory after more than two decades of decline. The group said Nigeria’s democracy depends on strong examples of governance that prove public office can be used to rebuild institutions, restore cities, and improve lives.

HURIWA concluded that the scale of transformation recorded under Otti, particularly in Aba, represents one of the most significant state-level governance turnarounds in recent Nigerian history, making him, in its assessment, a fitting recipient of the Man of the Year 2025 honour.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and the family of his late deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Monday, received more sympathisers at the Government House, Yenagoa.

A statement by the governor’s
Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, informed that among the condolence visitors were the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) led by the Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, the Bayelsa Elders Council led by the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd) as well as High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, who led a delegation that included House of Representatives member, Julius Pondi, Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and businessman, Mr. Matthew Tonlagha.

The INEC Administrative Secretary in the state, Mrs. Eme Akpa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, described the late Senator Ewhrudjakpo as a man whose dedication to duty and service to the state were outstanding.

“We came here with a heavy heart to condole with you and the state over the passing of your deputy. We pray God to grant you all the strength and fortitude to bear the loss,” she said.

Chairman of the Bayelsa Elders Council, Rear Admiral John-Jonah (rtd), in his remarks, said it is almost impossible to talk about the departed deputy governor without being emotional.

He stated that the news of Ewhrudjakpo’s death shook the foundation of the state, saying he emptied himself before he left given his performance in public office.

John-Jonah described him as the engine room that never powered down but searched for result while others slept, stating that he made the burden of governance lighter by his dedication and commitment.

‎Speaking on behalf of the Ekpemupolo delegation, Hon. Julius Pondi said the whole of the Ijaw nation had been thrown into mourning since last Thursday following the unfortunate demise of Ewhrudjakpo.
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‎Ekpemupolo described Ewhrudjakpo as a very dependable ally of Governor Diri, a great public servant who gave his all and died in active service.
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‎He urged the governor, the Ewhrudjakpo family and people of the state to be strong and be comforted as the late deputy governor led a selfless life worthy of emulation.

Responding, Governor Diri said it was strange and still unbelievable that his deputy was no more.

He noted that in the history of the state, it was the first time a serving deputy governor would pass on.

He however stated that as painful as it was, mortals cannot question God who designated a day to be born and a day to die.

The governor said his late deputy was dependable and that the achievements of his administration were due to their harmonious working relationship together with others in the government.

The Bayelsa helmsman equally conveyed the condolences of President Bola Tinubu and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who he said had phoned him to extend their sympathies.

By David Owei, Bayelsa

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State Chapter, has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

The association described Thursday as a black day for Bayelsa State following reports that the Deputy Governor collapsed in his office and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, where he was later confirmed dead.

SWAN Bayelsa noted that it is yet to come to terms with the painful reality that the hardworking, dutiful, and dedicated public servant is no more.

In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman, Mrs. Timinepre Ohia, and the Secretary, Mr. Patrick Ndubuisi, the association described the passing as regrettable, stating that a huge vacuum has been created by his demise.

The statement highlighted the smooth synergy and camaraderie between the late Deputy Governor, his principal, Governor Douye Diri, and the Commissioner for Sports Development, which led to the elevation of sports in the state and the winning of several laurels at national and international competitions.

SWAN further noted that the late Deputy Governor’s influence and active involvement in sporting affairs greatly enhanced the growth of sports journalism in Bayelsa State, positioning the association at its best in recent times.

The association expressed its heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, and other family members, urging them to remain strong in this moment of grief and to take solace in the fact that the late Deputy Governor, known for his compassionate nature and strong Christian faith, has gone to be with the Lord.