…Reveals how Ikpeazu spent more money, couldn’t deliver P’Harcourt rd Aba
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Gov. Alex Otti says his administration has procured 20 electric buses for mass transit system which will be unveiled in two months time.
Governor Otti disclosed this while addressing Aba community who organized a thanksgiving carnival tagged ‘Promise Kept Carnival’ at Umuagbai Secondary School premises, Port Harcourt Road, Aba in celebration of the Governor for reconstructing and completing Port Harcourt Road, abandoned for over 3 decades.
This is as he explained that contrary to allegations and claims by the opposition, his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu, spent more money on the road but unfortunately, could not deliver it.
On the electric buses, Otti said that the bus terminals are being built for the transport system in the state, adding that the 20 electric buses are for the first instance.
He said: “In the next two months, not more than two months, our transport system will start working. So, if you go around, you will see the bus terminals we are building.
“We have paid for the 20 electric buses. So, they are bringing the buses to carry you and I, and the buses will be beautiful.
“You know the kind of buses you see abroad. That is the kind of buses you will see in Abia. The only difference is that these buses will not use petrol. It will not use diesel. It will not use gasoline. They will be electric buses.”
Governor Otti, who recalled his efforts in fixing the Port Harcourt Road as against the attacks of the noisy opposition, said that he replies the shameless opposition with performances. He also revealed that the amount of money spent by the immediate past administration in the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, which was not realized was much more than what his government spent in realizing the Road.
“But, we have always ignored them. And we have continued to ignore them. We respond with performance. But, there is a response I want to give.
“So, listen to the response. In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road. The amount at that time was N9.8 Billion. And they paid out the entire money. But the Road was not done.
“So, when in 2025, the road cost N36.5 Billion, they started making noise. So, I said, since you people understand mathematics, the average exchange rate in 2017 was N333 to a Dollar. Now, if you apply that, the N9.8 Billion was actually USD29 Million (equivalent)
“In 2025, at the average exchange rate of N1,600, N36.5 Billion is actually USD22.8 Million equivalent. So, let us do the maths.
“USD29 Million and USD22 Million, which one is higher? But, the real issue is that in 2017, USD29 Million was spent, and no road was done. In 2025, USD22 Million was spent and a standard road is done and delivered for use,” Gov. Otti explained.
While appreciating the reception organized for him, Governor Otti thanked Aba people for their sustained support for him right from 2015 when he contested the Governorship election for the first time and said that Aba has been giving him massive support since then.
He used the opportunity to give N1.4 million as a reward to a ‘Keke’ driver in Aba, who returned N2.4 Million Naira forgotten by a passenger in his keke and commended such act of honesty, which he said Abians are known for.
In their goodwill messages, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, saluted Governor Alex Otti for his giant strides in Aba and Abia State in general. They said that the feat so far achieved by Governor Otti is a testament of a focused leadership in the State.
Speaking on behalf of the Aba business community and the Aba Landlord’s Association, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagba, said that they decided to put the event together to show appreciation to the Governor, and emphasized that though he has done great things in Aba, but Port Harcourt Road is top among others.
They described the event as not just a celebration of restoration but a vote of confidence on the Governor, adding that with his achievements, he has already completed political campaigns for his re-election.
Earlier, the convener of the carnival, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, praised and thanked the Governor for his giant developmental strides. He said that, what Aba is witnessing is evidence of God’s goodness.
Chief Udeajah said that Port Harcourt Road stands tall in the achievements of the Governor and described the event as an emergence of a new day and a new season, affirming that indeed, help is here for Abia people.
Also, the State Chairman, Cooperative Motor Union, Mr. Chukwuma Azodo, described Port Harcourt Road project as legendary, adding that in less than 2 years in office, Governor Otti has done a lot, including fixing many roads for the people and making driving experience easy and seamless.
The Carnival featured music displays from many Aba born artistes while many dignitaries graced the Carnival.
