Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the
World Trade Organisation, has
expressed her concern that many Nigerians,
particularly those from the South-East region, have lost faith in governance.
She made the remark during a virtual speech at the inauguration of the 2023
Abia Transition Council held in Aba, the economic hub of Abia State.
During her speech, Okonjo-Iweala called on the
governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti, to ensure that his administration runs a clean
and transparent government. She further advised the incoming government to
focus on “disruptive strategies rather than traditional operational
systems”. Okonjo-Iweala stressed the importance of good governance, as
Nigerians have lost faith in the government’s ability to provide for their
needs. She stated that citizens now provide their own amenities such as
boreholes and electricity, which is entrepreneurial but not a sustainable way
to run a state.
The Director-General urged Otti to set an example of
good governance that would be exemplary for others to follow. She also appealed
to Abia citizens living abroad to return to the state to help upgrade
development and assist in recovering the state’s economy.
Okonjo-Iweala expressed her belief that Otti’s
administration presents a unique opportunity to set Abia on the path of
development and modernisation through disruptive digital technology.
In response, Dr. Alex Otti inaugurated the transition
committee to oversee the take-off of his administration on May 29, 2023. He
charged the committee, led by Victor Onyenkpa, to create a policy document that
would set a direction and developmental agenda for Abia State in line with his
vision and campaign promises.
