“It’s Always the Empty Barrel That Makes the Loudest Noise,” Gov. Otti Fires Back at Orji Kalu, Others

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged residents to disregard recent statements and meetings by opposition politicians, describing their activities as self-serving rather than aimed at the welfare of the people.

Speaking at the dedication of a renovated Seventh-day Adventist Church in Umuoriehi, Umuahia North, funded personally by the governor, Otti characterized the criticisms as “noise” from political opponents.

“It’s always the empty barrel that makes the loudest noise,” Otti said, quoting the Bible to underscore his point. He referenced Isaiah 54:15 and Lamentations 5:37, emphasizing that critics speak without divine or moral authority.

Otti accused opposition figures, many of whom previously held power in the state under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), of prioritizing personal interests over public service. “In everything, they will not talk about you, the Abia people. They are talking about themselves,” he said, noting that they represent “a tiny minority.”

The governor affirmed that his administration would maintain focus on governance. “We should just do what we are doing… God doesn’t make mistakes. And he doesn’t have an unfinished project,” he added.

The remarks come as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including Abia North Senator Orji Kalu, have intensified political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections. Orji Kalu, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007, recently pledged to work toward securing Abia for the APC.