…Hints of medical city project
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Contrary to allegations by his political opponents, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has declared that his government is not fighting anybody but only interested in recovering looted funds and achieving good governance.
This is as he has disclosed that his administration would soon commence a medical city project in Abia which would attract people with serious health issues to Abia for adequate medical care.
Governor Otti was reacting to the recent report of the forensic audit in the state which revealed that the immediate past administration spent billions of Naira on nonexistent projects, including Abia airport project which is no where to be found.
Governor Alex Otti, who was speaking at Nvosi during a solidarity visit by hundreds of supporters, various groups and loyalists of the member representing Isiala-Ngwa South state constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu, stressed that what he wants is the progress and development of Abia State.
Otti emphasised that “if the airport is not found, the project money should be refunded.”
He said that all his administration was doing in the state “is just a dress rehearsal” as he is more committed to delivering democracy dividends as the administration enters the second year.
Governor Otti described the solidarity visit by Hon. Rowland Chinwendu and his group of supporters as a good omen. He thanked Hon. Chinwendu for his support in the State House of Assembly, saying that they have been working together since the inception of the 8th Assembly.
“I established forensic audit of our account as soon as I was sworn in and the report turns out that a lot of money was looted, stolen brazenly and part of the one I mentioned was the 10 billion Naira Abia airport project. They started insulting me. If you follow what is happening in the media, you would know that what I said is true.
“We are looking for our money. If we are not able to find the airport, they would have to refund us our money. We are not pursing anybody, they should refund the money they stole, let’s use it to work for our people.
“Our place must develop. We will continue to build roads, we will continue to be cleaning up the environment, we will continue to create jobs, we will continue to put our state on the map. Our educational system must be completely revamped, our hospital system must not only work but will be to that level where the rest of the world is today.”
Speaking, Senator Darlington Nwokocha noted that Governor Alex Otti has through his intimidating achievements in just eleven months in office redefined politics and governance, noting that Abians are now proud of their state and lauded Hon. Rowland Chiwendu for coming with his supporters to identify with the Governor.
In his speech, the member representing Isiala-Ngwa South State constituency, Hon. Rowland Chiwendu, noted that the people of Isiala-Ngwa South sent him to the House to represent their interest with its attendant democracy dividends, pointing out that he cannot afford to be seen as an opposition to the governor, who is from the same Local Goverment Area with himself.
The lawmaker, while commending Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing reconstruction of Umuikaa-Umuene road among other projects in the area, said that he brought his supporters to identify with him and tell him that they are proud of his achievements in office.
In their remarks, the Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir Uzo Nwachukwu and Mayor of Isiala-Ngwa South LGA, Dr Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele, noted that the coming of Governor Alex Otti at this critical moment is divine and described the governor as a leader who is on a divine mission to rebuild the state for the better.
In their remarks, a former Chairman of Isiala-Ngwa South LGA, Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku and Mr Henry Ori, thanked God for bringing Governor Alex Otti to rebuild Abia. They said they were happy that the governor has turned Abia into a construction site, adding that Abia is today setting the pace for other states to follow.
