Abia makes list of seven states to benefit from EU – sponsored programme

Abia, popularly known as God’s own state has been chosen by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International Idea), an intergovernmental organisation with a mandate to support sustainable democracy worldwide, for its second phase of the European Union funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.

The Head of Programme in Nigeria, Mr. Danladi Plang, who led a team of the EU partners on a working visit to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, on Monday said Abia was chosen by the body, which has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, with 35 countries as members, as its focal state for the Phase II of its programme “following internal conversations at the EU and what has been said about the reforms that are taking place in Abia State”.

Plang, who commended Governor Otti on his leadership qualities, noted that the programme which started in 2017 and ended in 2023 has been extended for another five years and Abia and Plateau states were chosen to join Lagos, Anambra, Edo, Kano and Adamawa states for the Phase II, beginning this year.

“For us, it confirms what has been said about Abia, since His Excellency, the Governor, Alex Otti, assumed leadership. It is a testament to the good work that you’re doing and also a testament to the fact that the people of Abia State did not make a mistake in electing you, seeing the support that is coming from the other development partners,” Plang stated.

“Your Excellency, I know that many times for politicians what is always a priority are some of these concrete things that we see; building of roads, building of hospitals. Sometimes, we lose sight of the things that are not just concrete but tangible, when we talk about justice, but I believe that with the interest that has been shown by members of your cabinet that we had met before now, I believe that there will be sufficient interest shown by your leadership for issues of justice,” he further explained,

While soliciting support from the Governor, the International idea Head pointed out that the RoLAC programme aims at contributing to the consolidation of rule of law and good governance reforms within participating countries or states with specific objective to help improve the justice and anti-corruption systems.

Responding, Governor Otti thanked Plang and his team for their visit and for choosing Abia as one of the focal states for the programme in Nigeria, while pledging government’s support to help them succeed.

He said though Abia has made significant progress from where his administration met her but the State is still nowhere near what he visioned as there is still so much to be done.

“Virtually everything that has been spoken about here revolves around good governance. So, if you’re talking about protection of the vulnerable, talking of anti-corruption, transparency, due process and others, it’s all about good governance and that’s what this government stands for. We actually do have zero tolerance for corruption,” Governor Otti told his visitors.

Speaking earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, said the Abia State Government would leverage on the vast experience that International Idea has to ensure that Abia is better equipped to serve justice for the citizens.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Ngozi Blessing Felix, described the inclusion of Abia State in the EU sponsored programme as “a dream come true” because of the benefits it would bring to Abians, especially women, children, persons with disabilities and all vulnerable groups.

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