…Gets N500m support for 2nd term
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State on Friday unveiled the iconic Omenuko Bridge over the Igwu River, as well as the newly completed 30-kilometre Abam–Ndioji–Ndiokereke–Arochukwu Road executed by his administration.
Speaking at the glamorous event, which was well attended by people from across the state, Otti vowed to deploy every arsenal at his disposal to resist any attempt by past leaders, whom he accused of underdeveloping the state, to regain political control.
Apparently referring to a coalition of former governors ganging up against his re-election bid, Otti declared that Abia had made an irreversible choice for progress, transparency and development over stagnation and deceit.
“As a people who have experienced the genuine fruits of development-oriented leadership, we now have a sacred mandate to defend, with everything at our disposal, our right to freedom, prosperity and fulfilment,” the Governor said.
He added: “In the same vein, it is incumbent on us to resist with every fibre of our being attempts by certain individuals and groups to return Abia to the old era of deceit in the name of politicking. Abia has seen the light, and never again shall darkness cover our path. We have chosen progress over stagnation, truth over deceit.”
The Governor, however, urged residents to remain vigilant against what he described as the antics of forces seeking to sabotage the gains recorded by his administration across multiple governance fronts.
Otti explained that his decision to venture into politics was largely driven by the need to confront the state’s long-standing infrastructural deficits, stressing that his administration had so far lived up to expectations.
“We have spent every minute of the last 32 months working to justify the huge confidence reposed in us in 2023, and I don’t think we have disappointed,” he said, assuring that more development projects would be unveiled in the coming months.
He described his emergence as Governor as a defining moment in Abia’s history and expressed appreciation to the people of Abam for their sustained support.
The Governor also recalled with regret the tragic loss of lives previously recorded at the old bridge, including two children of the late cleric, Rev. Uma Ukpai, and 27 students on their way to an examination centre.
He pledged that his administration would no longer allow public infrastructure to deteriorate, vowing to sustain the current pace of development across the state.
“The newly constructed bridge stands as a testament to our resolve to reverse decades of neglect and institute a new governance standard that empowers communities and enables shared prosperity,” Otti noted.
He added that about 75 per cent of projects initiated by his administration in Abam had been completed, with more scheduled for commissioning within the next 12 months.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Agwu I. Agwu, thanked the Governor for rebuilding the bridge, describing it as a strategic asset to Abia North.
Agwu, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of Abia State University, said Otti’s policies had positively impacted lives across the state.
Similarly, a prominent son of Abam, Chief James Ume, popularly known as Ike Abam, said the project had restored the pride of Abam and neighbouring communities after decades of neglect.
He urged the Governor to seek re-election and announced a N500 million support for his second-term bid.
Member representing the Arochukwu–Ohafia Federal Constituency, Rep. Okwara Osonwa, described Otti as God-sent, describing his second-term bid as “a walkover.”
Speaking in an interview, former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah, commended Otti for what he described as landmark infrastructural and governance achievements.
Ogah, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the era of good governance had firmly taken root in Abia and echoed the Governor’s resolve that the state would not return to its “dark era.”
He urged the Governor to remain focused and deliver more dividends to the people.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Azubuike Ihejirika, formally inaugurated the project.
The reconstructed Omenuko Bridge stands as one of the signature projects of Governor Otti.
