Banwo Advises Otti Not to Exaggerate Achievements

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Governor of Abia State, Mr Alex Otti, has been urged not to be carried away by the media attention he is enjoying or be tempted to exaggerate his achievements.

This advice was given by a public affairs analyst and legal practitioner, Mr Ope Banwo, who pointed out that a government that is truly focused on reform and service delivery should allow facts and independent assessments to define its legacy.

He argued that exaggeration, even when intended to inspire confidence, often weakens public trust and exposes the administration to unnecessary scrutiny, stressing that genuine performance speaks for itself without the need for propaganda.

The serial entrepreneur disclosed that while visible progress has been recorded by the Governor in some areas, governance must be anchored on verifiable data, transparency and measurable outcomes rather than inflated narratives.

‎‎“A serious government does not need to exaggerate results. When projects are real, impactful and properly executed, citizens will feel the difference without being told,” Mr Banwo said, acknowledging that the administration of Mr Otti inherited significant structural and financial challenges.

However, he warned that over-celebration of modest gains could blur the line between genuine reform and political messaging, urging him to prioritise sustainability, institutional reforms and long-term economic planning over headline-grabbing claims.

In his view, the true test of the current administration would lie in its ability to strengthen public institutions, attract credible investment and improve the daily lives of ordinary Abians.

‎The public commentator also advised the government to embrace constructive criticism rather than dismissing dissenting voices, noting that feedback is essential for democratic accountability. He maintained that open engagement with critics would ultimately strengthen the administration’s credibility.

‎‎Responding to supporters of the government who argue that positive messaging is necessary to counter years of decline, Mr Banwo said optimism should be grounded in reality, adding that, “There is nothing wrong with communicating achievements, but communication must not cross into exaggeration. Nigerians are smarter than that.”

The US-based lawyer urged Mr Otti’s administration to focus on consolidating its reforms, allowing independent institutions, civil society and the media to objectively assess its performance over time.

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