…Says payments ongoing, dismisses claims of irregularities
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has disclosed that his administration has paid compensation to over 4,000 landowners affected by the Nsulu Airport project, out of nearly 10,000 claimants recorded for the project.
The governor made the disclosure on Friday at Government House, Umuahia, during the February edition of “Governor Alex Otti Speaks to Abians,” his monthly media interaction.
Otti explained that the ongoing compensation exercise is currently focused on landowners whose properties fall along the proposed runway corridor of the airport, noting that the process is being carried out in phases.
“There are close to 10,000 claimants, and as we speak, over 4,000 have been paid. We are taking this step by step, starting with those whose lands were acquired for the runway,” the governor said.
He dismissed reports alleging irregularities in the compensation process as a deliberate smear campaign, describing them as a “hatchet job” by individuals who, according to him, had not participated in stakeholder meetings.
“Compensation payments resumed on the 23rd of this month after our meeting on the 18th. Construction of the runway is progressing very well, and we are settling claimants village by village,” Otti added.
The governor further assured that transparency remains central to the exercise, revealing that the names of verified claimants have been published in their respective communities.
“We have nothing to hide. While we are not ruling out the possibility of sharp practices, anyone found culpable will be dealt with. Everyone who deserves compensation will be paid,” he assured.
On transportation, Otti announced that the Abia Electric Bus Services, also known as the Green Shuttles, will commence subsidised operations from March 1, charging ₦800 for the Umuahia–Aba route and ₦1,000 for the Umuahia–Ohafia route.
He said the service would be fully digitised, stressing that cash payments will not be accepted, as commuters will pay electronically.
“Digital transformation is where the world has gone. We cannot afford to be different,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the Umuahia Central Bus Terminal would serve as the operational base in Umuahia, while Aba would also operate from a designated terminal, adding that he would confirm the readiness of contractors handling the facilities.
Addressing recent security concerns in parts of Umuahia South, Otti reaffirmed that no part of Abia State is under the control of non-state actors.
“There is no territory under the control of criminals in Abia State, and there will never be,” he declared, citing the activities of the Security Trust Fund and Security Advisory Committee working alongside security agencies.
Otti also clarified that the Abia State Government owns 80 per cent equity in the Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotels, while the remaining 20 per cent is held by families of the original investors through the Aba Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA).
The governor highlighted recent progress across critical sectors in which his administration declared a state of emergency, including healthcare, education, power, industry, and SMEs.
He added that he has ordered the restoration of electricity to Ukwa East, while efforts to reconnect Bende and Ohafia are ongoing.
