***Commends Gov Otti administration giant strides in various sectors in two years
A civil society organization, Centre for Human Rights Advocacy and Wholesome Society, (CEHRAWS), on Friday restated that the deepening of democratic governance in Abia State requires bold, deliberate, and institutionalized reforms that promote transparency, protect fundamental rights, and empower citizens to become active partners in governance and tasked the Alex Otti administration to demonstrate renewed political will by promptly executing the OGP SAP II framework and operationalizing its institutional structures.
CEHRAWS in a statement in response to the 2025 Democracy Day address delivered by the Abuja State Governor, Dr. Alex C. Otti, OFR, to mark this year’s Democracy Day celebration.
The press statement was signed by CEHRAWS Executive Director, Okoye, Chuka Peter.
The statement stated:
”CEHRAWS is constrained to raise certain critical observations and recommendations for the continuous consolidation of democratic governance and public accountability in our State.
1. The Urgent Need to Execute the Open Government Partnership (OGP) SAP II
Your Excellency’s public rhetoric has repeatedly emphasized transparency, accountability, and participatory governance as the cornerstones of your administration. It is therefore disheartening that the Abia State Open Government Partnership (OGP) State Action Plan II (SAP II), which is fully aligned with these ideals, remains unsigned and unexecuted.
We respectfully remind His Excellency that the OGP provides an internationally acclaimed framework for fostering citizens’ participation in governance, promoting fiscal openness, fighting corruption, and building public trust. Its full implementation will not only deepen participatory democracy but will constitutionally empower citizens in line with Section 14(2)(c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates that:
“the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.”
We therefore respectfully urge His Excellency to demonstrate renewed political will by promptly executing the OGP SAP II framework and operationalizing its institutional structures.
2. The Business Environment and the Conduct of Law Enforcement Agencies
One of the primary indicators of a thriving democracy is the existence of a free, fair, and secure environment for private enterprise to flourish. While CEHRAWS acknowledges Your Excellency’s efforts in strengthening the economic base of the State, we are deeply concerned about the persistent reports of harassment, arbitrary arrests, extortion, and illegal detention of citizens, particularly entrepreneurs and traders, by some law enforcement officers operating in the State.
This ongoing abuse undermines investor confidence, disrupts the ease of doing business, and contradicts the legal and economic reforms Your Excellency has championed. Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution guarantee the right to dignity of the human person and protection against unlawful arrest and detention.
”To address this persistent threat to democratic and economic stability, CEHRAWS strongly recommends that:
✓ The Abia State Government should establish an Independent Law Enforcement Oversight and Accountability Commission (ILEOAC), empowered to monitor, investigate, and make binding recommendations on cases of misconduct, extortion, abuse of power, and rights violations committed by law enforcement agents operating within the State.
✓ The Commission should be composed of representatives from the judiciary, civil society, professional bodies, and the State executive, and should submit periodic reports to both the Governor and the State House of Assembly for legislative oversight.
✓ Government should direct all security agencies in the State to immediately cease all forms of unlawful and unauthorized operations that affect businesses and private citizens under the guise of revenue collection, traffic enforcement, or regulatory compliance.
”3. Fiscal Transparency and Public Accountability
CEHRAWS also urges His Excellency to further institutionalize fiscal transparency by:
✓ Publishing quarterly simplified reports of State revenues and expenditures;
✓ Holding regular open budget consultations with civil society and citizens;
✓ Strengthening the independence and capacity of the State Audit institutions.
Such measures will not only enhance public trust but are also consistent with the principles of good governance enshrined in Sections 120-122 of the 1999 Constitution.
”4. Labour Rights and Outstanding Salary Obligations
We acknowledge the partial clearance of salary and pension arrears inherited from previous administrations. However, we respectfully call on His Excellency to give priority attention to the full liquidation of all outstanding obligations owed to State civil servants, pensioners, and local government employees. This is not only a matter of administrative prudence but a constitutional imperative to uphold social and economic rights.
”5. Sustaining Democratic Vigilance
We fully align with His Excellency’s call for citizens’ continuous vigilance in the protection of our democracy. However, government must also demonstrate leadership by modeling transparency, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to lawful public criticism, as these are the lifeblood of a functional democracy.”
The civil society organization commended the Otti-administration for his giant strides in various sectors in the last two years.
”We particularly recognize the tremendous strides the present administration has made within a short period in office across various sectors, including but not limited to:
✓ The rehabilitation and reconstruction of critical road networks across Abia State;
✓ The significant improvement in security architecture resulting in relative peace and safety in several parts of the state;
✓ The ongoing transformation of waste management, leading to a cleaner environment;
✓ The revitalization of commerce through micro, small, and medium scale business initiatives.
These are clear testaments to Your Excellency’s commitment to repositioning Abia State as an emerging centre of growth within Nigeria,” the statement stated.
