Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has commended Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, over his giant strides in road infrastructure.
Umahi who made the commendation while on inspection tour in the state, expressed satisfaction with the quality of works done by Otti on the roads being rehabilitated by the State Government.
Umahi who joined Governor Otti to inspect the ongoing reconstruction of Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway being done by the Federal Government, and the strategic Port Harcourt Road, Omuma Road, Obohia Road and Ohanku Road, urged him to sustain the tempo.
Umahi said, “First is to commend the President for this project, it is part of the priority project. You know we have so many projects, but the interest that the Governor of Abia State has shown; he has met with the President several times. He put us on our toes, that’s why we prioritised the project and it’s quite very commendable.”
“And I have also witnessed the roads, incidentally I was told that it is a federal road – the famous Port Harcourt Road. I want to say that I watched the social media and Abia broke record when Julius Berger was offloading their equipment.”
“I was here in Aba as a young Engineer. I was the project engineer to Ndiegoro flood control. Unfortunately, I have been coming to Aba and nothing much had changed. But this time around, with my brother, my cousin, I still have quite a number of properties here in Abia State, so he is also my Governor.
“I’m so, so excited. I am an infrastructure person. I am a result-oriented person. We have inspected a lot of projects. I was so enthused that Omuma Road is not only being reconstructed, but it’s being dualised. Nobody believed that Port-Harcourt Road could contain 3 lanes – a carriage way, 6 altogether and the quality of the work.
“I also went to Omuma Road, it’s the same thing, we’ve inspected about four major roads. The SSA to the President sent me a text that he has never seen this quality of infrastructure, I was even jealous as if we are not doing a good job at the Expressway. So, I’m so excited.”
Talking about Ohanku and Obohia Roads, the Minister said, “And this particular roads, Ohanku and Obohia roads that are presently being targeted alongside other roads, used to be a nightmare. And, I used to see on the social media, the excitement of the residents. That’s all we need as leaders. When you are committed, doing what the people want, God will also be committed to also do your own. Your Children are going to be blessed by God.
“So, I want to say that Abia People should not be angry because in God’s time he makes all things beautiful. So this is your time, this is God’s time for Abia.”
Sen. Umahi said that they have continued to ask where the Governor is getting all the money that he is using to do all the works that he is doing.
Engr. Umahi commended the Governor for the choice of those working with him, saying that they just had the Nigerian Council of works last week and the Abia Commissioner of works was singled out for understanding the work, for his consistency, integrity and honesty.
“I commend you, Your Excellency. Incidentally, you are a man of few words but full of action. We have seen that it is not all about the party but the occupant of that position and so Otti is working, Otti is a gift to Abia people and Nigerians,” Sen. Umahi declared.
Sen. Umahi said that when some of the roads are completed, the President will come to commission them.
Addressing a crowd of Jubilant supporters, Governor Otti disclosed that the contractor has assured him that Ohanku road will be ready in six months time, he thanked the people for their support.
The lawmaker representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North & South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Sir Obi Aguocha also joined in the inspection with other Government officials.
