Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has shared a harrowing account of an assassination attempt on his life in 2015. Speaking at the 'Abia Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service' in Umuahia, Otti detailed the events surrounding the attempt on his life. He revealed that he had planned to meet someone in Abuja but was stood up, leading him to decide to leave the city. Despite objections from friends, Otti insisted on departing, which he believes was divinely directed.
According to Otti, his residence in Abuja was attacked by assassins who shot two policemen dead and were searching for him. However, they failed to find him as he had already left. The attackers then proceeded to search the adjoining compound, jumping into the next compound and stripping the whole building. Otti emphasized that there was no obvious reason for him to leave Abuja at that particular time, but he believed that his departure was divinely directed.
Reflecting on the incident, Otti stated that some friends had tried to discourage him from entering politics, while others advised him to seek protection through traditional or other means. However, Otti's conviction remained anchored on his decision to serve God. He recalled the biblical account in Joshua 24:15, where Joshua said, "If it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you would serve." Otti emphasized that individuals must make a conscious choice about whom they would serve.
Otti further stated that the experience reinforced his conviction about the path he had chosen. He added that his administration would continue along the path of faith and service. The governor's account of the assassination attempt was part of a larger address at the 'Abia Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service,' which was organized by the State Government.
The event, themed 'Remembering the Covenant,' featured various dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and top government functionaries. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Uzor Nwachukwu, noted that Abia was in captivity for years until God raised Otti. Nwachukwu recalled that after securing electoral victory in 2023, Otti and his team observed seven days of fasting and prayer to rededicate Abia to God.
Lead Pastor of Transforming Church International, Dr. Sam Oye, commended Otti and his team for recording milestones within three years. Oye lauded the administration's achievements in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, fiscal responsibility, and land reforms. However, he emphasized that more work remained, citing Joshua 13:1, where God acknowledged Joshua's achievements but reminded him that there was still more land to possess.
Oye charged the governor to establish industrial and agro-processing corridors, adding that the focus must be on strengthening institutions. The event featured intercessory prayers, praise and worship sessions, and ministrations by clerics. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by various dignitaries and a team of clergymen.
Key points
- Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, recounts a 2015 assassination attempt and credits his survival to divine intervention.
- Otti's account was part of a larger address at the 'Abia Solemn Assembly and Covenant Renewal Service,' which was organized by the State Government.
- The event featured various dignitaries and a team of clergymen, who commended Otti's administration for its achievements and emphasized the need for continued faith and service.
