Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has urged Abians to disregard what he described as the recent tantrums, noise, and self-serving gatherings of opposition politicians who previously had the opportunity to develop the State but failed.Governor Otti made this call at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, headquarters of the Abia North Conference of the SDA Church, Umuahia North LGA, during the dedication of the Church building recently renovated with his personal funds.Describing the opposition’s activities as a failed project, the Governor said their actions amount to nothing more than noise, stressing that “it is only the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise.”“Pastor Uguru made reference to the noise you may have been hearing in recent days. I want us to dismiss it as mere noise. It is always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise,” the Governor stated.Drawing inspiration from the scriptures, Governor Otti referenced Isaiah 54:15, noting that although some may gather, such gatherings are not ordained by God and will ultimately scatter.“The Holy Book says, ‘Behold, they shall surely gather, but not by me.’ And because the gathering is not of God, they will scatter and fall for your sake,” he said.He also cited Lamentations 3:37, questioning the authority of those who speak without divine backing.“Who are you to speak when the Lord has not spoken? That is a serious charge. So, nobody should worry or dignify them with responses,” Governor Otti added.The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to changing the narrative in Abia State, emphasizing that his focus remains on governance and the welfare of the people, not political distractions.“We should continue doing what we are doing. They are not talking about Abia people; they are talking about themselves. They are a tiny minority, and God does not make mistakes. He has no unfinished projects,” he assured.Clarifying misconceptions surrounding the Church renovation, Governor Otti explained that the project was not executed with government funds.“The Church was already standing. What we did was a little renovation to make it better. Government funds were not used here. Government money is strictly for government business,” he stated.He further recalled his long-standing relationship with the Church, noting that as far back as 2012, he personally led fundraising efforts for the construction of the Conference Office.The Governor also announced the commencement of activities marking this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day, which will be concluded on January 15.Earlier in his sermon titled “Can I Be a Joseph to Interpret the King’s Dream?”, Pastor Kennedy Ihuoma, President of the SDA Church, Abia North–Central Conference, challenged believers—especially those in leadership—to emulate the biblical Joseph by faithfully interpreting visions for national growth.Pastor Ihuoma praised Governor Otti for worshipping in the Church, fulfilling his promise to renovate the building with personal resources, and expressed gratitude for the quality of work delivered. He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon the Governor.The dedication ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including Hon. Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency; Senator Darlington Nwokocha; members of the Abia State House of Assembly; Acting SSG, Dr. Emmanuel Mereibeole; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, among others.The event featured the cutting of the dedication ribbon and special prayers for the Governor and members of his cabinet.Ctz. Ukoha Njoku UkohaChief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia StateJanuary 10, 2026
