Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Determined to permanently fix the perennial power challenge at the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU; and the entire Uturu host communities, Governor Alex Otti, has approved the establishment of an independent power plant project in the university.
The Governor disclosed this while being hosted by the people of Isuikwuato Local Government Area at the Isuikwuato High School, Otankpa.
He said that the power project was part of the ongoing rehabilitation at ABSU.
Otti said: “As part of the rehabilitation of Abia State University, I have approved that an independent power plant project be set up in Abia State University.
“The independent power plant project would generate not less than 10 megawatts of electricity. So, the idea is that not just Abia State University will be served, Uturu town would also have power from the initiative.
“Those of you who have followed what is happening in this State will know that a few weeks ago, we signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law.
“So, we don’t need to go to anybody for approval to set up whether it is renewable energy or IPP; integrated power plant, stands alone and as soon as we have the approval of the House of Assembly, the members and leadership of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Agency (ASERA), would be put in place,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, who stated that the days of darkness were over in the state, also said that for the appeal made by the people concerning fixing the Amibo–Acha road, it would be fixed as it was captured in the budget, adding that the Eziama-Ndundu road will soon be flagged-off for construction.
The Member representing, Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, described Governor Otti as a visionary Governor and called for support for the Governor to ensure that he secures his second term in office.
In his speech, the member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Hon. Lucky Johnson who used the occasion to officially join the Labour Party said that, Governor Alex Otti has made Abians proud through his achievements.
He stated that with his entrance into the Labour party alongside other stakeholders in Isuikwuato, all political parties in Isuikwuato have collapsed into the Labour Party, assuring that 2027 governorship election would be decided by Isuikwuato in favour of Governor Otti.
Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Abia State, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Mayor of Isuikwuato, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke and the Chairman, Abia State House of Assembly Commission, Hon. Uche Maduako highlighted the various achievements of the Governor in education, health, road infrastructure as well as payment of workers’ salaries and pensions among others.
They said that they are not surprised at the Governor’s achievements in less than two years in office and assured that his second term is guaranteed.
Baring her mind, a member of the Greater Ohafia Development Authority (GODA), Dr. Onyinyechi Rufus-Obi, while describing Governor Otti as a hardworking, diligent and progressive minded person, thanked him for the ongoing efforts to set up an independent power project to take care of ABSU and the rest of Uturu community.
In their goodwill messages, an Isuikwuato stakeholder, Mr. Ken Ahia (SAN), President General, Isuikwuato Development Union, Chief Chidiebere Uguru, and the President General, Uturu Development Union, Dr. Chidi Mba, said that the Governor has shown capacity and had surpassed past Governors, adding that they have agreed to support him even in the 2027 elections.
They said that Isuikwuato had already adopted the Governor before he awarded road constructions in the area including the ongoing Nuanya road currently under reconstruction.
Highlight of the event was the defection of the member representing Isuikwuato State Constituency, Hon. Lucky Johnson, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling Labour Party.
Various other opposition members from the PDP; the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; and Action Alliance, AA including a former governorship candidate, Onyekwere Akim, Chukwudi Ogele, Emma Ibegbulam; former Commissioner for Sports, Henry Agbaeze among others, also joined the Governor’s LP.
