Hope has been rekindled for civil servants from Anambra and other South East states who were dismissed in 2011 under Abia State’s controversial “non-indigene” policy.
Governor Alex Otti has instructed the State’s Head of Service to thoroughly review the petitions submitted by the affected individuals, with the aim of delivering justice after over a decade of displacement.
Governor Otti made this announcement on Saturday during a special reception held in his honour by Anambra indigenes residing in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State. Addressing the gathering, Otti described the mass disengagement of workers based on their state of origin as not only discriminatory but also illegal.
He emphasized that his administration is committed to correcting unjust policies of the past and promoting inclusivity across the state’s civil service.
Reviewing the Cases of Disengaged Workers
In response to a formal appeal made by 154 Anambra citizens who were among those affected by the 2011 purge, Governor Otti acknowledged their plight and promised to conduct a fair and thorough assessment. Although the policy was enforced long before he assumed office, he stressed the importance of reconciliation and fairness in governance.
“I’ve received a list of 154 individuals who were affected by that decision. Many of them were teachers,” Otti stated. “If they are still below the retirement age of 65, we will consider re-engaging them, possibly on contract terms. For those who have passed the age threshold, we will work out appropriate compensation.”
He further noted that Abia State is currently experiencing a shortage of teachers, and the experience of these disengaged workers could contribute meaningfully to filling that gap.
A New Direction: Ending Discrimination Based on Origin
Otti reiterated his administration’s stance against ethnic or state-based discrimination, noting that the era of treating residents differently based on their state of origin has ended.
“We do not support the idea that someone who has lived, worked, and contributed to this state is not considered one of us simply because of where they come from. That policy from 2011 was not just wrong — it was illegal,” he said to resounding applause.
Otti Declines Future Senate Bid
In a lighter moment during the reception, some of the attendees expressed their desire to support Governor Otti for a senatorial seat in 2031 after his tenure as governor. Otti, however, dismissed the idea, affirming that he has no intention of continuing in active politics after completing a second term.
“I do not have plans to go to the Senate after serving as governor. My goal is to serve my people diligently, complete my term, and step aside so that younger leaders can emerge,” he said.
Appreciation for Anambra Indigenes
Governor Otti concluded by thanking the Anambra community in Abia for their consistent support since his administration began in 2023. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to equity and unity, highlighting the abolition of the “State of Origin” dichotomy as a landmark policy shift toward inclusiveness.
