Issues one-month ultimatum to contractors to complete 4.1km highway
The Federal Government has handed over the Owerri–Umuaka Road, Onuigbo–Umuahia Road, Omezuo Bridge, and Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road to the Abia State Government for completion following a request by Governor Alex Otti and the subsequent approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a show of synergy and shared desire to fast-track road infrastructure.
It also authorised Otti to forthwith take charge of the construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the roads, just as it called other state governors to follow suit in the overall interest of the country.
Minister of Works Dave Umahi, who announced and effected the handover on behalf of the President, at the weekend, during a civic reception held for the governor by the Bende Progressive Union at the Aba Enyimba Stadium, said it was in continuation and demonstration of the Renewed Hope Administration’s resolve to significantly improve Nigeria’s road network and a show of synergy between the federal and state governments.
Umahi, at the gathering, which had in attendance members of the National Assembly from the state, traditional rulers, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders, commended Otti’s proactive approach to fixing failed federal roads and described him as a leader who is focused on the needs of his people rather than partisan considerations.
The minister said, “So, I am happy that the majority of our governors are taking the bull by the horns.” Umahi expressed concerns that the projects had suffered funding constraints over the years that marred their planned pace and ultimate completion.
He, therefore, urged the people of Abia and the South-East to fully support the government of the day, as well as endorse President Tinubu for a second term in office to continue being relevant as an integral part of the Nigerian project.
Earlier in the day, upon arriving in Aba, the minister, who paid an unscheduled working visit to ongoing works on the 56.1-kilometre Section II (Umuahia Tower-Aba) of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Enugu-Port Harcourt dual carriageway, being handled by Messrs Arab Contractors (Nig.) Limited, chided the company for not living up to its reputation as a stickler to quality and time in project delivery.
He consequently gave the contractor one month to complete the remaining 4.1 kilometres of the contract. Responding, Otti appreciated the President for granting him approval to fund the projects to completion, describing it as value addition to the good people of Abia State and Nigeria, in general.
He further said that it was not the first time that the state would be intervening in the execution of the Federal Government’s projects, insisting that “the end justifies the means.”
Also, the Bende Union Leader, in his address, described the event as a collective endorsement of Otti’s transformational leadership within his 29 months in office, stating that the state now experiences a new dawn marked by purposeful leadership and visible development.
Udah, who stated that the people of Bende were known for their industry, hospitality, and support for worthy causes, announced their passing of unanimous vote of confidence in Otti and his administration
He, however, tasked Otti to do the needful on several rural and agrarian roads in Bende and neighbouring communities of Ebonyi State to enhance agricultural productivity and ease the movement of goods and people.
The Bende Union, however, announced that Otti was being honoured for exhibiting a high level of integrity and professionalism in the 2023 governorship election.
