Abia: Gov. Otti under fire over alleged politicization of Church platforms

Our Reporter 

The governor of Abia state, Alex Otti is facing fresh criticism over what political observers have described as a growing pattern of leveraging church platforms for political validation, raising concerns about the blurring of lines between governance and religious spaces in Abia State.

In a strongly worded statement released by a coalition of concerned political commentators, the governor was accused of focusing more on religious appearances and public image than on delivering tangible results for the people of Abia.

The group cited repeated instances where Governor Otti allegedly used church pulpits to promote his administration, describing such actions as “self-praise and ego massage” unbecoming of a sitting governor. 

They also expressed worry over what they termed the increasing involvement of clergymen in covert political assignment for Abia government.

A particular case that drew public attention was the recent engagement of Pastor John Amah of the Assemblies of God Church. According to the group, Pastor Amah was invited by the Abia State Government to meet with the governor and other top officials, with all expenses reportedly covered by the state. 

They further allege that the pastor received a brown envelope of about $3,000 cash gift during the visit, a gesture they argue is to get him to continue singing Otti’s praise, but which compromises his neutrality and moral authority.

“These actions signal a dangerous slide toward politicizing the pulpit,” the statement read. “The church should serve as a moral compass, not as a platform for political endorsement.”

The group called on the leadership of the Assemblies of God Church to urgently address Pastor Amah’s conduct, which they argue violates the long-standing principle of separating the church from partisan politics.

They also recalled Pastor Amah’s controversial past within the Assemblies of God Church, citing his alleged role in internal crises involving respected former leaders such a Paul Emeka and Rev.Chidi Okorafor. 

“His history of division and ambition within the church makes his recent political alignment deeply troubling,” the statement said.

Critics further questioned why a figure with such a contentious history would be courted by the Otti administration for political affirmation. 

“Governor Otti must reflect on whether someone facing unresolved moral questions is the right person to act as a spiritual mouthpiece for his government,” they said.

Recall that the entire episode started when, Pastor Amah made politically flattering remarks about the governor during the burial ceremony of former Mayor, Late Chief Israel Chinemerem Nweke in Osisioma. 

However, when the government publicised the event, it featured photos of Elder Abraham Amah, his younger brother with no connection to the pastor’s statements. 

Defenders of Elder Amah have emphasized his constitutional right to political affiliation, insisting that his views are personal and should not be judged through familial association.

The group concluded with a direct message to the governor that “Public applause is no substitute for meaningful governance. 

The validation you seek will not come from church pulpits, but from results that positively impact the lives of Abians.”

The controversy has sparked debate across political and religious circles in the state, with many awaiting official responses from both the Abia State Government and the Assemblies of God Church leadership.