ABSU-ASUU Strike: Otti Warns Officials Against Delaying Government Directives, Says “Heads Will Row”

By Promise Uzoma Okoro, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, has warned government officials against delaying or frustrating the implementation of his directives, declaring that those responsible for unnecessary delays will face consequences.

The Governor gave the warning while speaking at the Ochendo International Conference Centre on Thursday during the grand finale of the Abia@35 celebration, where he publicly addressed the recent industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University Branch (ASUU-ABSU).

Governor Otti expressed regret that the strike occurred, maintaining that the industrial action could have been avoided if directives arising from his approval on the union’s demands had been implemented promptly.

According to the Governor, he had approved the relevant demands as far back as April 2026, and he described the subsequent delay in implementation as a failure that should not be repeated under his administration.

“The strike was avoidable. I want to apologise to ASUU. It is a failure on the part of government, and that is why under this administration, such won’t be allowed again. Any official who delays further my directive won’t be spared.”

The Governor further emphasised that there was no justification for prolonged administrative delays on matters on which he had already given approval.

He questioned the need for the subsequent constitution of an implementation committee when the matter had already received his approval since April, stressing that government officials must take responsibility for carrying out directives within the appropriate timeframe.

In a strong warning to officials who may undermine the effective implementation of government decisions, Governor Otti declared:

“Heads will row”

The Governor also used the opportunity to apologise to members of the ASUU community at Abia State University, assuring them that his administration would take steps to prevent a recurrence of the circumstances that led to the strike.