Governor Alex Otti has pledged equal support for federal and state agencies operating in the state, irrespective of their affiliations.

Mr Otti gave the assurance on Tuesday when he received a delegation led by the permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Binyerem Ukaire, in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South council area.

The governor said that his administration did not discriminate between indigenes and non-indigenes, adding that everyone living and working in Abia was regarded as an indigene.

“We don’t discriminate between federal agencies and state agencies, nor do we discriminate between federal projects and state projects, because at the end of the day, the beneficiaries are indigenes and those living in the state.

“We also do not have non-indigenous and indigenous. The policy does not work here. Everybody who lives here is from here, and that is the way it should be,” he said.

Responding to a request for office accommodation for the Federal Information Centre in Umuahia, Mr Otti directed the information commissioner, Okey Kanu, to identify suitable accommodation for the centre. 

He said the Abia government had supported several federal agencies operating in the state and would give the request favourable consideration.

The governor said that his administration was committed to restoring dignity to the people through infrastructural renewal and good governance. He congratulated Ms Ukaire on her appointment as permanent secretary six months ago, describing her as a proud daughter of Abia.

(NAN)