Nigeria, Jan. 11 -- Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has urged residents of the state to ignore recent meetings and criticisms by opposition politicians, describing them as "noise" driven by selfish interests rather than concern for the welfare of the people.

Mr Otti spoke at the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Umuoriehi, Umuahia North Local Government Area, during the dedication of a church building renovated with his personal funds.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the governor's spokesperson, Ukoha Ukoha.

Reacting to rising political criticisms, the governor dismissed the activities of opposition figures, many of whom previously held power in the state.

"I want us to just dismiss it as noise, you know, and it's ...