๐. In the 2025 State Performance Index (pSPI), two South-East states stand out in the national rankings: Abia State in 10th place and Enugu State, which is ranked 20th. Both positions are commendable and show that both states are steadily earning recognition for good governance. However, the public discussion has focused more on rivalry than celebration. Enugu has frequently been used as a benchmark by critics of the Abia State Government, who use comparisons to cast doubt on Abia State’s development.
To set the record straight, does this imply that the governor of Enugu State is not doing well now that Abia has surpassed Enugu in the survey? The entire world would have been aware if Abia had placed 20th.
๐. The facts show that both states are moving forward, each with its own peculiarities and development pathway. The difference is that the rise of Abia State has been sharper – a climb from 36th place in 2024 to 10th in 2025 – while Enugu has maintained a steady mid-tier performance. Both achievements matter, and together, they represent a win for the South-East that should not be undermined by needless criticism.
๐. Since the pSPI combines hard data with public sentiment, many people regard it as one of the most impartial ways of evaluating a government’s performance. A strong position on this index is more than a badge of honor. It is proof that a state government is keeping its promises in ways that the public can see and feel.
In 2025, Abia State received high marks from the people in important areas like business support, education, and road quality, in addition to performing well on objective measures. Additionally, Enugu’s performance secured a spot in the top 20. The South-East is making progress in governance, as evidenced by this dual presence in higher positions. This development should boost confidence in the government rather than encourage division.
๐. It is pertinent to note that Enugu has an established history as the capital of the old East Central State. It has greatly benefited from a head start in administrative infrastructure, in addition to good and stable governance and leadership. Abia State’s journey has been different. Created much later, the state has not enjoyed the same privileges. For years, it struggled under administrations that left behind trails of weak infrastructure, low confidence in investment opportunities, and very limited public trust. In light of this, Dr. Alex Otti’s leadership is particularly noteworthy. In less than two years, he has moved the state from 36th to 10th place in the national rankings, despite inheriting a state with severe governance shortcomings. Rather than beginning from a disadvantage, the goal is to turn a once-ailing state into a competitive business environment and not just to match Enugu’s performance.
๐. The 2025 pSPI tells two distinct but complementary stories about leadership in the South-East. Dr. Alex Otti has led one of the nation’s fastest governance turnarounds in Abia State, transforming the state from 36th to 10th in just a single year. This rapid rise is the result of a focused reform agenda, careful budget control, and an emphasis on projects that are visible and vital to the state.
In Enugu State, the Governor has maintained a steady course, keeping the state in the top 20. Although the progress of Enugu State may not appear as striking as Abia State, it is based on the difficulties that accompany managing a more developed capital, which includes organizing existing structures, expanding the city’s infrastructure, and maintaining stability in the provision of services in the state.
What unites both is a dedication to governance that deliver results. The two Governors are not rivals but peers whose work is positively changing the image of the South-East. This is why attempts to use one state’s achievements to diminish the other’s progress are counterproductive. The fact that both are bringing honor to the South-East is the real win.
๐. Abia State’s movement from 36th place in 2024 to 10th place in the 2025 pSPI is not merely hearsay. It is backed up by verifiable data and strong endorsement by the people. The 26-place jump in one year is one of the fastest improvements ever seen in the index’s history. According to the latest survey, Abia State ranks 2nd nationally in quality of roads, 5th in quality of education, 2nd in support for local businesses, and 7th in law enforcement attitude. These are crucial service areas where daily life is directly affected. In the pSPI’s perception ranking, Abia State sits even higher than its performance score, indicating that people are not only reading about change; they are experiencing it. For a state long burdened by poor governance, these figures confirm that real change is underway and visible in the daily lives of the people.
๐. In under two years, more than 90 roads have been constructed or rehabilitated across all LGAs, including major projects like Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, Port Harcourt Road, and Omenuko Bridge. All of these roads have been equipped with proper drainage, solar streetlights, and safety markings.
In healthcare, ABSUTH’s accreditation has been restored, 200 primary healthcare centers are undergoing renovationsโ100 of which have already been completedโUmunnato General Hospital is being upgraded to specialist status, and plans for a $1.3 billion Abia Medical City are underway. 20% of the budget has been allocated to education, with free and compulsory schooling from Primary 1 to JSS3, the employment of 5,000 teachers, and significant improvements in tertiary institutions.
Regarding security and sanitation, ‘Operation Crush’ has reduced kidnappings, the fencing of Lokpanta Market has improved safety around that area, and there is continued implementation of state of emergency against waste in the state.
๐. The South-East should be proud of the accomplishments of both Abia State and Enugu State, but some political actors prefer to use them as points of contention. Despite the fact that both Governors are producing positive results in different contexts, these political opportunists aim to pit one Governor against the other for their own benefit. While the Governor of Enugu State has maintained consistent progress in a state with its own challenges and established systems, Dr. Alex Otti has led one of the fastest governance turnarounds in the country.
Both are improving their states, and their combined efforts boost the region’s image. It is time to stop making needless comparisons that benefit no one. Instead of focusing on rumours and speculation, the people should use facts and data to hold their leaders accountable. Instead of being used as a means of division, the prosperity of one state should serve as motivation for others.
๐. The entire South-East should be proud to see Abia State in 10th place and Enugu State in 20th place on the 2025 pSPI. These are two states, led by two committed Governors, each delivering results in their own way.
The sharp rise of Abia State from the bottom shows what focused reforms and disciplined execution can achieve in a short amount of time, while Enugu State’s steady position shows the importance of consistency and stability in governance. Both journeys matter because they prove that progress is possible, regardless of starting point. This is why it makes no sense to turn such achievements into a contest of egos. When Abia State does well, the South-East gains. When Enugu State does well, the South-East gains. It is a collective win.
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๐ซ. ๐๐ก๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ง ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐๐ง๐จ๐ค๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ฎ, ๐๐ก๐.
๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฏ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ซ ๐จ๐ง ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ
