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AMAECHI ASKS ABIA GOVERNOR, ALEX OTTI, TO REVEAL SOURCE OF FUNDS BEHIND NFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS
Former Rivers State Governor and APC chieftain, Rotimi Amaechi, has urged Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to reveal the source of funds behind the extensive infrastructure projects currently underway in Abia.
Amaechi made the call during a project inspection tour in Abia, where he was accompanied by a delegation of University of Port Harcourt alumni who graduated alongside Otti between 1980 and 1989.
During the visit, Amaechi expressed amazement at the visible transformation, particularly along Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which he remembered as previously dilapidated and neglected.
He lauded the quality of work, especially the significant cleanup and reconstruction efforts, and acknowledged the rapid progress made in just under 22 months of Otti’s tenure.
Despite the praise, Amaechi raised concerns about how the projects were being financed, considering the consistent complaints by governors of smaller states about insufficient federal allocations.
He insisted that Governor Otti should clarify the funding source, stating that the scale of development warranted public accountability.
Highlighting specific projects, Amaechi expressed concern over the former state of the colonial-era Omenuko Bridge on the Abam-Ohafia Road, describing it as a dangerous relic.
He questioned why past administrations had ignored its deteriorating condition, which had led to fatalities decades ago. The reconstruction of the bridge, in his view, was long overdue and commendable.
Amaechi also praised Otti’s decision to engage reputable contractors like Julius Berger, drawing from his own experience working with them on major railway projects during his tenure as Transport Minister. He noted that such partnerships ensured quality delivery and lasting infrastructure.
Impressed by the scope and quality of developments, Amaechi predicted that if the current momentum continued, Otti’s re-election bid would face little resistance. He encouraged Abia citizens to maintain their support for the governor, citing Otti’s results-driven leadership as exemplary.
Other UNIPORT alumni present, including Hon. Ernest Rowland Douglas, Dr. Chidi Ulelu, and Mr. Duke Odinde, echoed Amaechi’s sentiments. They praised Otti as a worthy peer and expressed pride in his accomplishments.
The delegation toured various projects including the Umuahia, Uzuakoli, Akara, Abiriba, Ohafia road sections, the newly reconstructed Omenuko Bridge, and key roads like Bank Road, Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, and Port Harcourt Road in Aba.
Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Chief of Staff to the Governor, attributed the success to financial discipline, transparency, and Otti’s firm stance against corruption, stating that the efficient use of public funds was the key to the state’s transformation.
