Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has renewed his call for every eligible Abia resident to obtain his permanent voters’ card (PVC) in preparation for the 2027 general election.
Governor Otti made the call on Wednesday, April 1st, at the Mater Dei Catholic Cathedral, Umuahia, when he attended the Chrism Mass celebration of the Catholic Church.
Gov. Otti reminded the Church of what God did in Abia in 2023, describing it as a miracle. He noted that when such a miraculous victory – especially one secured from an opposition party occurs, not everyone will be pleased. Some may even seek ways to take the people back to “Egypt,” stressing therefore the need for everyone to remain vigilant and do what is expected of them.
“You know, when things like this happen, some people will not be happy, and they will want to do everything to take you back to where you are coming from, also known as Egypt.
“But, it is for us to say, we will not go back to Egypt. Does anybody want to go back to Egypt?” Dr. Otti asked with a resounding response of NO from the people.
“So, if you have not registered to vote (that is your permanent voters’ card – PVC), if you don’t have it, or you have not registered, or you were not 18 in 2023, you have an opportunity to register now.
“The only way you can guarantee against going back to Egypt is your PVC. That is the only message I have for you today.
“Once you have done your own, you know God will do His own. But, if you sleep, God cannot do for you what you can do for yourself,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who thanked the Bishop and all Catholic faithful for their support, urged them to sustain their support for his administration and wished them a fantastic Easter celebration.
“I want to join the priests and everyone to celebrate God for seeing us through the whole Lent season that is about to end, nd also Easter that will be in a few days. “
“I wish you a fantastic Easter celebration,” Gov. said.
Earlier in his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Father Michael Kalu Ukpong e, explained that the Chrism Mass is a major Holy Week liturgy, usually celebrated by a Bishop in every diocese on Holy Thursday morning or earlier.
The Bishop explained that the Mass is in two parts: first, the blessing of the oils used in the Church’s sacraments, and second, the commemoration of the institution of the priesthood in the Catholic Church. He added that it includes the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, as well as the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, the Oil for those preparing for baptism, and the Holy Chrism used for sacred anointing, including that of priests.
Bishop Ukpong w, who noted that all the sacraments gain their strength from the death and resurrection of Christ, stressed the need to have a sober reflection by all.
He used the opportunity to urge the Church to be careful of the kind of oil they receive these days from individuals who claim to be servants of God, saying that someone performs miracles does not mean that they are genuine servants of God.
The mass featured the renewal of vows by the priests, consecration of the oils of the sick, baptism, and the holy Chrism.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia at the National Assembly, Hon. Obi Aguocha, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini, former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, among other top government officials, were present at the mass.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
April 1st, 2026.
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