BY MONDAY FAVOUR
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutepa, has praised Prof. Mrs. Nnenna Oti for what he described as her uncompromising integrity during the 2023 Abia State governorship election, insisting that the current transformation witnessed in the state under Governor Alex Otti is proof that credible elections can produce effective leadership.
Okutepa, in a strongly worded statement circulated on social media, reacted to reports that the Umuahia Bus Terminal had been named after Prof. Nnenna Oti, the Returning Officer who supervised the final collation and announcement of the governorship election results that brought Dr. Alex Otti to power.
According to him, the recognition accorded the academic was well deserved because she resisted alleged pressures and intimidation to manipulate the election outcome.
“Electoral integrity is the cornerstone of democratic growth and development,” Okutepa stated, arguing that Prof. Oti’s refusal to compromise the electoral process paved the way for what he described as purposeful governance currently being witnessed in Abia State.
The senior lawyer noted that although Prof. Nnenna Oti and Governor Alex Otti share similar surnames, there is no known relationship between them, stressing that her conduct during the election could not be linked to personal or pecuniary interests.
“I am not from Abia and I am not spokesperson of Abia State,” he said. “But I believe in uncompromising integrity and honesty of purpose for the greatest good of Nigerians.”
Okutepa further argued that good governance should be measured by visible and enduring results rather than expensive publicity campaigns.
“I have always said that any government struggling to advertise achievements on newspaper pages and electronic media with pictorial evidence is a failed government. Government successes are visible and enduring for ordinary people to see,” he stated.
He maintained that Governor Alex Otti’s performance in office had become evident to many Nigerians, claiming that the governor’s achievements were “visible even to the blind” and could be “felt by the deaf.”
The legal practitioner also used the opportunity to criticise alleged corruption within Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly among some academics appointed as returning officers during elections.
According to him, many credible candidates across Nigeria may have been denied opportunities to govern because some electoral officials compromised the democratic process for financial gains.
“There are many Alex Ottis who were never allowed to enter government houses because some crooked and corrupt professors subverted the will of the people for temporary gains,” he argued.
Okutepa referenced reforms introduced by former INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega, noting that the decision to appoint professors as returning officers was originally intended to strengthen public confidence in elections.
However, he lamented that while some academics upheld integrity, others allegedly betrayed public trust by endorsing manipulated results.
Quoting another social media commentator, Okutepa wrote: “Mrs Oti is a shining example of what an academic should be in character.
The Nigerian university system has produced many professors who are not better than motor park urchins in character. All they need to alter election results is money.”
The commentator added that the development in Abia demonstrated what could happen when the genuine will of the electorate prevails.
Political observers say the comments may further deepen national conversations surrounding electoral reforms, accountability and the credibility of university professors involved in election management.
Analysts also believe the public recognition of Prof. Nnenna Oti could encourage ethical condusct among future electoral officials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
For many Nigerians, the debate goes beyond Abia State politics and touches on broader concerns about democracy, transparency and leadership selection in the country.
Okutepa concluded by thanking both Prof. Nnenna Oti and Governor Alex Otti for promoting what he described as integrity, honesty and truth in public service.
“Nigeria will only become better when integrity and honesty guide those entrusted with public duties,” he stated.
