The common refrain by the people of Abia State is that: ‘Otti is God-sent’. When they echo these words, they say them with a sense of pride and fulfilment. This is in response to the rapid socio-economic transformation and infrastructural revolution that are being witnessed in the State under the watch of Governor Alex Otti. The State has never had it so good.
Broken down public infrastructure are being fixed. Abandoned roads and bridges are being reconstructed and modernised. Dilapidated schools and hospitals are being rebuilt and reclaimed for the good of the people. Smart schools are also springing up in different parts of the State to promote quality education and enhance learning.
Workers` salaries are now regularly paid as and when due. Existing backlogs have since been cleared. Retirees who lived in agony for several years in the past without their pensions and gratuities are now getting those deserved benefits. They no longer wallow in uncertainties and pains of neglect and abandonment. Regrettably, many of the pensioners died without accessing their earned benefits during the years of the locust. Today, under the methodical watch of Otti, senior citizens regularly receive their entitlements and are treated with respect.
All over Abia, remarkable progress is being recorded in every facet of human endeavours. The major cities of Umuahia, Aba, Ohafia, and Arochukwu are undergoing extensive urban renewal to the delight of citizens and visitors alike. For instance, Umuahia, the State capital, is presently wearing a befitting look as the seat of power. Key roads in the city have been widened, properly reconstructed and modernized, making Umuahia to be truly beautiful.
The construction of the ultra-modern Nnenna Oti Bus Terminal Umuahia appears to be the game changer. Following the commissioning of the priceless edifice some months ago, all the various transport operators in the town have been made to function from the Bus Terminal. This singular act has gone a long way in addressing the traffic chaos that was once the defining hallmark of Umuahia city centre, especially the notorious Ishi Gate and environs. That arena has become completely decongested with traffic now flowing freely in the town.
This is complemented with a new culture of waste management that leaves Umuahia, Aba and other cities sparkling clean and devoid of smelly heaps of garbage that used to litter all the nooks and crannies of the State. Today, under the stewardship of Otti, Abia boasts of very good road infrastructure and sanitized environment which have continued to attract visitors and tourists into the State seeking for business opportunities or pleasure. The positive developments we see in Abia are clearly a demonstration of what can happen when a leadership is purposeful, resilient and focused. Otti has shown that the true essence of governance lies in the provision of meaningful infrastructure that makes lives more abundant for the ordinary people.
When Otti was running to be governor in 2023, his campaign mantra to the people of Abia was: ‘Weep no more, help is on the way’. The message was apt. The State, under the successive PDP administrations, was grossly misgoverned with nothing to show in terms of economic development. The resources of the State were mindlessly looted and diverted into private pockets. When Otti came with the message, it was soothing and refreshing. The people believed him and gave him the chance. The entirety of Abia people are happy for the choice they made. The help has finally come, and the people no longer weep.
Within three and half years, the Otti administration has done so much to re-write the unpalatable story of the State. And even with 2027 elections around the corner, Otti is not even stressing himself for any re-election campaign. Rather, he is going into more strategic projects meant to add value to the lives and businesses of the people.
A recent example is the flagging off of the reconstruction of Uratta and Old Express Roads, Aba, which were criminally abandoned for close to three decades by the previous administrations in the State. These roads suffered a similar fate like Port Harcourt Road, Ohanku Road and Obohia Road which, to the glory of God, have been restored by Otti. Particularly significant is the Port Harcourt Road which defied many administrations. Otti engaged the services of Julius Berger, a construction giant in Nigeria, to recover the road and expand it into a beautiful six-lane highway. Landlords and businessmen who abandoned their houses and businesses have since returned to resume their lives in that vital economic corridor.
Otti is about to replicate same feat on the critical Uratta and Old Express Roads. Speaking at the flag off, Otti stated that the reconstruction of the 3.1 kilometer Uratta Road and the 3.95 kilometer Old Express Road represent the last frontier in the first stage of the greater Aba Road infrastructure restoration outline. He affirmed that when the two projects are completed in 24 months` time, ‘we can formally declare an end to the nightmare of the last two and half decades’.
It is important to note that the contract is being handled by CCECC, a reputable Chinese Construction company that has also proven its mettle in Abia State. It is on record that the company handled a section of the reconstructed Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Abiriba-Ohafia Road. Governor has assured that the funds for the construction have been secured and therefore the work would go on without any delays.
On completion of the roads, Otti would have succeeded in restoring the glory of Aba and Abia State, never for the sun to set again for the Enyimba city. He would have put Abia on an irreversible path of economic growth and prosperity.
May Abia continue to prevail!
Dr. Nwosu, a Public Policy Analyst, writes from Umuahia. He can be reached on email: cdnwosu2@gmail.com
