The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has commended his Bayelsa counterpart, Senator Douye Diri, over the latter’s appointment of Abia State-born Johnson Onuma as a Commissioner in Bayelsa State.
According to a statement made available to newsmen by the Commissioner’s Aide, Tony Olikagu earlier today (Friday, December 6), Otti spoke after his interaction with Mazi Johnson Onuma, the Commissioner for Special Duties, General Services in Bayelsa State, when the Hon. The Commissioner paid the Abia Governor a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia, the State capital.
Otti lauded Governor Diri for demonstrating excellence in inclusive governance. He likened Governor Diri’s action to similar opportunities provided to non-indigenes who have showcased excellence in Abia State.
In his remarks, Ouma told Governor Otti how Diri’s leadership has favoured non-indigenes, especially Abians.
He explored potential avenues for enhanced economic collaboration between the two states.
The Bayelsa Special Duties and General Services Commissioner also highlighted the inclusive governance and protection non-indigenes enjoy under Senator Diri’s administration.
Onuma, who did his NYSC in Bayelsa State in 2004, has been living in Bayelsa ever since and has been widely acclaimed for his outstanding contributions to community leadership and his private endeavors, qualities that earned him an appointment as Special Adviser on Non-Indigenes by Governor Diri in 2021.
The move aligned with the Governor’s commitment to broadening political opportunities for residents, irrespective of origin.
Upon his reelection in 2024, Governor Diri reaffirmed his dedication to diversity and inclusion by appointing Mazi Johnson Onuma as the Commissioner for Special Duties, General Services, making him a member of the State Executive Council.
This landmark appointment has been widely praised by Nigerians, who have described it as a “round peg in a round hole,” applauding Governor Diri for championing diversity and inclusion in governance across the nation.
