Governor Alex Otti has reiterated his pledge to lead the people of Abia out of poverty, stressing that his administration will pursue policies and programmes to create prosperity and security for the citizens.

“We have come to work for Abia people, and we have promised to lead them out of poverty,” Mr Otti stated on Sunday at an interdenominational open-air thanksgiving service at the Trademore Event Centre, Umuahia.

He stressed, “We have not come to work for big men because they will always find their way.”

The Abia governor thanked Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the February 25 poll, for being part of the service and for his advice on good governance.

He promised to live up to expectations and commended the governorship candidates of the opposition political parties that had supported his administration, appealing to those yet to do so to sheathe their swords and join him in rebuilding Abia.

In a sermon, the lead pastor of Streams of Joy, Jerry Eze, described the service as indicating that Abia had embarked on “a journey to wholeness” after it healed.

He likened Abia to one of the 10 lepers that returned to thank Jesus for healing him and, after that, was made whole.

Mr Eze prayed to God to grant the new administration the wherewithal to record significant achievements at all levels and to drive socio-economic growth in Abia.

Prayers were offered for the governor and his wife, Priscilla, and Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and his wife, Adaeze.

The event was attended by the head of service, Onyii Wamah, permanent secretaries, heads of some security agencies, Labour Party chieftains in Abia, religious leaders and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria.

(NAN)