Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The South-East representative on the North East Development Commission, NEDC, Board, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for undertaking the reconstruction of Imo Bridge destroyed during the 30-month Nigerian civil war, over five decades ago.
Chief Onuigbo who addressed newsmen in Umuahia, noted that the bridge which links Abia and Imo communities, had been in deplorable condition since after the civil war.
He thanked President Tinubu for not abandoning the Achingali-Ekenobizi-Umunwanwa-Ubakala road which links communities in Imo and Abia states.
The former lawmaker said that President Tinubu had exhibited maturity by not abandoning projects initiated by his predecessor.
He commended the President for continuing with the various federal projects awarded in the South-East by the previous administration.
Onuigbo, particularly commended the President over the pace and quality of work on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene federal highway which he facilitated while at the national assembly.
The former lawmaker noted that some sections of the road especially around Okwe and Isiala in Ikwuano which were hitherto impassable, had been rehabilitated.
“I’m pleased to say that from Okwe to Isiala which was before now very bad, a very good quality job has been done. Currently, a massive work is on-going between Streams of Joy Junction Umuahia and Ahieke.”
The former lawmaker urged the federal government to sustain the tempo until the project is fully delivered.
He noted that the road had serious economic importance to both South-East and South-South.
The former lawmaker, commended the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, for mobilising contractors handling various road projects in the South-East zone, back to site after his recent tour of the projects.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, also commended Tinubu for showing commitment to build a federal secretariat in Abia.
Onuigbo who facilitated the project regretted that for over 30 years when Abia was created, there was no federal secretariat in the state but commended President Tinubu for moving to break the jinx.
He commended Gov Alex Otti for embracing the project which he said the previous administration in the state frustrated over unnecessary partisanship.
Onuigbo who also facilitated the project expressed optimism that very soon Abia would have a functional federal secretariat.
The former House Committee Chairman on Climate Change, also commended Otti over his giant strides in developing the state.
Onuigbo said that Otti had so far shown capacity to transform the state.
“I will say that Abia Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has done outstandingly well. You can see very easily that he has demonstrated commitment to good governance.”
He urged the Governor to sustain the tempo of his developmental strides across various sectors of the state economy.
