Bestman Eruba, Esq.

GOV. OTTI AT MATER DEI CHRISM MASS IN UMUAHIA, RENEWS CALL FOR PVC REGISTRATION.

Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has renewed his call for every eligible Abia resident to obtain his permanent voters' card (PVC) in preparation for the 2027 general election.

Governor Otti made the call on Wednesday, April 1st, at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia, when he attended the Chrism Mass celebration of the Catholic Church.

Gov. Otti reminded the Church of what God did in Abia in 2023, describing it as a miracle. He noted that when such a miraculous victory - especially one secured from an opposition party occurs, not everyone will be pleased. Some may even seek ways to take the people back to “Egypt,” stressing therefore the need for everyone to remain vigilant and do what is expected of them.

"You know, when things like this happen, some people will not be happy and they will want to do everything to take you back to where you are coming from, also known as Egypt.

"But, it is for us to say, we will not go back to Egypt. Does anybody want to go back to Egypt?" Dr. Otti asked with a resounding response of NO from the people.

"So, if you have not registered to vote, (that is your permanent voters' card - PVC), if you don't have it, or you have not registered, or you were not 18 in 2023, you have an opportunity to register now.

"The only way you can guarantee against going back to Egypt is your PVC. That is the only message I have for you today.

"Once you have done your own, you know God will do His own. But, if you sleep, God cannot do for you what you can do for yourself," Gov. Otti stated .

The Governor, who thanked the Bishop and all Catholic faithful for their support, urging them to sustain their support for his administration and wished them a fantastic Easter celebration.

"I want to join the priests and everyone to celebrate God for seeing us through the whole Lent season that is about to end and also Easter that will be in a few days time.

"I wish you a fantastic Easter celebration," Gov. said.

Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Father Michael Kalu Ukpong explained that the Chrism Mass is a major Holy Week liturgy, usually celebrated by a Bishop in every diocese on Holy Thursday morning or earlier.

The Bishop explained that the Mass is in two parts: first, the blessing of the oils used in the Church’s sacraments, and second, the commemoration of the institution of the priesthood in the Catholic Church. He added that it includes the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, as well as the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, the Oil for those preparing for baptism, and the Holy Chrism used for sacred anointing, including that of priests.

Bishop Ukpong who noted that all the sacraments gain their strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, stressed the need to have a sober reflection by all.

He used the opportunity to urge the Church to be careful of the kind of oil they receive these days from individuals who claim to be servants of God, saying that, that someone performs miracles does not mean that they are genuine servants of God.

The mass featured the renewal of vows by the priests, consecration of the oils of the sick, baptism and the holy Chrism.

The Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini, former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, among other top government officials were present at the mass.

Ctz.Ukoha Njoku Ukoha
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
April 1st, 2026.

With Bishopcomedy tv – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

With EMMY SOUTH – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

Government Special Announcement

Intelligence available to Abia State government has confirmed plans by some political actors in Abia to sponsor some miscreants from Aba and neighboring states to embark on a protest tagged "Tinubu Dey Work,Otti Dey Chop".

This false narrative which some members of the opposition have been pushing for several months, and which is about to be elevated to a violent protest is meant to drive the false narrative that the FG has paid for the construction of federal roads and other projects executed by Abia State government in the State. Though the State government recently cleared the air on this matter to the effect that the FG had stopped refunds, the enemies of Abia people intend that this protest would lead to a conflict between their hirelings and the State Task Force in Aba, which could result to possible killings, with attendant reprisals, thus creating an atmosphere of violence and breakdown of law and order, with a vew to making the state ungovernable ahead of the 2027 elections.

It's important to remind those involved in this plot that the Abia State government has the will and the capacity to ensure that they pay a heavy price beyond their imagination.

The government has no issues with anyone disagreeing with it, including its policies and programmes, because it's part of democracy, however, the government would come very hard on any person or group of persons who attempts to put the lives of Abia people in harm's way in the name of political opposition.

The government wishes to also call on parents and guardians to caution their children and wards against involvement in any form of politically sponsored protest in the state, because it would come with a regret.

Abia State government, in line with democratic principles, shall continue to ensure that the state remains peaceful and the political space open for all to pursue their different political interests and ambitions, devoid of threats and intimidation.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
( Media and Publicity)
April 3, 2026.

Today, I had the pleasure of receiving our very own son, Phyno, an Enugu-born talent who has grown into a global force in music.

As he prepares for his event this Sunday at the International Conference Centre here in Enugu, I am filled with pride. Phyno represents the very best of who we are; resilience, excellence, and creativity that travels far beyond our borders.

Enugu continues to produce some of the finest talents, and we will keep supporting and celebrating our creative industry.

Our artists are not just entertainers; they are ambassadors of our culture and identity on the global stage.

We will always stand with our own.

Peter Ndubuisi Mbah