Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Nsulu Communities in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, have pledged their total support for the proposed airport project being sited in the area.
The pledge followed the amicable resolution of the misconception over the project by some individuals.
The resolution was reached in a crucial meeting between representatives of the affected communities and Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
Meanwhile, the communities have dissociated themselves from the earlier protest by one out of the eight communities in the clan.
Addressing newsmen after the meeting, the Governor’s Chief of Staff said that the people who went on protest were misinformed about Government intentions about the siting of the project.
Ajagba explained that the government had already engaged the traditional rulers in the clan before now but decided to further engage the people to ensure they understand its intentions.
He assured that Abia State Government would continue to engage and would visit every community involved.
Ajagba expressed the hope that the visits would yield positive result.
“The people you see here today have come from various communities and what we have been discussing is how we will continue to intensify the community engagement so that everybody is carried along in making sure that whatever concerns are addressed and resolved amicably.
According to him, the project is in the overall interest of the state.
He explained that traces were being cut now after which enumeration would be done.
He added that government would equally pay compensation to the members of the host communities.
Pastor Ajagba, who said Gov. Otti had been equitably in distribution of projects across communities in the state assured the people that the airport project would bring economic prosperity.
Speaking on behalf of others, some of the representatives of the communities including Dr Jessy Odu and Mr Kingsley Ukaegbu declared their unalloyed support for the proposed airport.
They said the earlier protest was because of misinformation by one of the eight host communities.
They reeled out the benefits associated with siting the airport in the clan to include; boosting their economic activities, creation of employment among others.
According to him, the airport when realised, would open up the area for real economic activities.