OBASANJO COMMISSIONS ROADS IN ABIA, DESCRIBED GOV. OTTI AS A PERFORMER

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo in a handshake with Governor Otti

A former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who was in Abia State for the commissioning of the 46.36km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba Highway has lauded Governor Alex Otti for his giant strides in infrastructural development in the State.

Chief Obasanjo recalled how terrible the road has been, especially the last time he visited Abiriba and described Governor Otti as a performer, noting that what he is doing in Abia now is a proof that whatever bad situation being witnessed in Nigeria today can become good tomorrow. 

"You(Gov. Otti) are a man of your word, a goal getter, a performer. You are man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader.

"All we need to do is to make sure that at every level, we must have the right leaders with the team to work with."

He reminded Abians that they are blessed with a good Governor who is passionate about providing the dividends of democracy across board regardless of political affiliation, and urged them to always support the governor to do more for the State.

Speaking, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti said that the commissioning ceremony is an eloquent testimony of his resolve to be doing things differently and noted that the completion of the road project would among other things shorten travel time for motorists. 

"...this administration has zero tolerance for shoddy jobs or the kick back culture that enables them.

"By completing this project, we have not just shortened travel time for drivers and commuters coming into Umuahia to communities within Ohafia, Bende, Isiukwuato and Umuahia North.

"We have also cut down the risks of accidents, security threats and transport cost for scores of thousands of individuals and families."

The Governor further stated that the road now fully reconstructed would unleash the wholesale economic potential of the area by making farming attractive to a new generation of young people, support job creation and tackle the menace of poverty.

Governor Otti renamed the 46.36km Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi-Abiriba Highway to "Joe Irukwu Way" in honour of former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Late Professor Joe Irukwu who is from that axis.

The event attracted the prese6of Federal and State legislators including Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe representing Isiala South/Isiala Ngwa North federal constituency,  Senator Chris Adighije, members of the State Exco, members of the State Judiciary, traditional rulers and stakeholders from the four benefiting local government areas.