Abia to continue to partner FG in delivering key infrastructural projects

…As Umahi praises Otti for reconstructing federal roads in Abia

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government in delivering key infrastructural projects that would impact positively on the lives of the people.

Governor Otti, stated this, Thursday, while hosting Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, who paid him a visit, after inspecting some ongoing federal roads in Abia State, which President Bola Tinubu, would be commissioning later in the year.

He appreciated the Federal Government’s support to Abia and assured that the State, would continue to partner with the Federal Government as one administration.

“I want to reassure you of our commitment to continue to work with the Federal Government for the benefit of our people.

“When those roads are done, the credit goes to the government, whether it is the one at the centre or the one at the State, it is the same Government. And then, the beneficiaries are the people”, Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti, recounted his encounter with President Bola Tinubu when he sought the President’s approval for him to reconstruct some federal roads in Abia that were in bad condition, including the Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road and the Onuimo-Umuahia road, among others.

Governor Otti, explained that the President’s planed visit to Abia in May. 23, 2025, was postponed due to his visit to the Vatican, and assured that a new date would soon be secureid.

He promised to look into the Minister’s request of fixing the remaining carriageway of the Aba-Port Harcourt section of the Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway, which is in bad condition.

“The Enugu – Port Harcourt carriageway that you spoke about, I would ask the Commissioner for Works to go and have a look at it.

“I am happy that you have gone round. We were ready to commission the Port Harcourt road and a few other projects by May 23, 2025, but somehow, the President had to go to the Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope. And we had to put it off.

“And, we have few more roads that will be ready for him to commission in addition to Port Harcourt Road. I’m also in touch with the President’s office to get his availability so that he can come and commission the road and also speak to our people.

Dave Umahi, minister of Works, had earlier commended Governor Otti, for reconstructing federal roads in the state and delivering quality road projects.

Read also: My vision is to make Abia a model State-Otti

“I didn’t want you to know that I was coming, I’m here to secretly look at some of our projects in Abia state that we want to commission by December, and also to look at some of the great projects you are doing that the President will commission when he visits Abia state, so that I’ll be able to report properly to him.

“And I’ve gone around on my own, I didn’t ask anybody to join me, and I want to say that, I’m proud of what you are doing for Abia people. I’m really proud.

“Not only the quantum of projects you have completed, but the quality also, especially, the Port-Harcourt Road. It’s mind-blowing that, that place could be recovered. And, I think it’s only a heart of yours that can recover that place the way it is.

“I commend you highly, and it’s only Mr. President, the man of infrastructure, that will be qualified to commission that project.. I want to also thank you for some of the interventions on our Federal Roads”, Umahi stated.

He also appreciated Governor Otti for the encouragement given to the construction of two sections of Port Harcourt to Enugu Expressway, adding, that, before Governor Otti came on board, it was difficult for the contractor to freely work.

While appealing to Governors to partner the federal government in carrying out various projects in their states, not minding party differences, Umahi pleaded with Governor Otti, “to look at the plight of the people on the other side of the Aba-PortHarcourt carriageway. “See what you can do to help us. Even if you want to use the same contractor, use them”.

Umahi appreciated the good long standing relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Otti and noted that the President is doing many projects in the South-East.

“We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the South-East, irrespective of party affiliation, to stand with President Tinubu, who is standing with the South-East.

“To rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government. So, I will not preach to you about support for the President, because you have been the President’s good friend, even before I came to know the President.

“And I’m happy that you have so much love for the President. And Your Excellency, without speaking for you, I will beat my chest to say that all the Governors of South-East are standing with the President”, Umahi stated.