By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Former Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi, has hailed the infrastructural transformation ongoing in Abia State under the leadership of Gov. Alex Otti of Abia.
Amaechi said this while addressing newsmen after a project tour by the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) alumni comprising schoolmates of Gov. Otti who graduated between 1980 and 1989, on Saturday, in Aba.
The former Minister, who is also a 1980s alumnus of UNIPORT, described the road projects by Abia Government as “incredible”.
Amaechi ,who contested for presidential ticket in the All Progressives Congress Primaries in 2023, called on residents to vote the governor back into office in the next election to enable him complete his development agenda.
Ameachi described the Port Harcourt Road project as a true case of “Seeing is believing”, because of the deplorable condition of the road prior to the commencement of the reconstruction works.
He said: “The last time I was here, we were campaigning for former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We had to walk from one shop to another because the road was covered in refuse and gullies, not potholes, gullies.”
He noted that the transformation of the area under Otti’s administration is commendable and worthy of public support.
“It doesn’t end at saying the governor has worked hard, it must end with people going out on election day to vote him back in, so he can finish the work he has started.”
Amaechi also said that it was unfortunate that Omenuko Bridge became a death trap and was ignored for decades despite the tragic loss of lives dating back to the 1970s and 1980s.
He also said that it was unfortunate that previous administrations in the state failed to take responsibility for such vital infrastructure and praised Otti for stepping in where others failed.
Amaechi said that he was impressed with the quality of ongoing and completed projects by the government and applauded its choice of contractors such as Julius Berger and CCECC.
He cited his own experience working with them as a minister on major railway projects including the Warri-Itakpe, Lagos-Ibadan, and Port Harcourt-Aba rail lines.
However, Amaechi also raised an important question about the funding source for these massive infrastructure projects.
“You talk about him being prudent and yes, he’s an economist, but that alone isn’t enough. Where is he getting the money to do all this?” he asked.
He said that many governors from other states often cite lack of funds as a major challenge, “which is a genuine complaint”.
Amaechi advised that if borrowing would be required to fix critical infrastructure, then it should be embraced responsibly and transparently.
Also, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr Caleb Ajagba, said that the present administration upholds principles of prudent financial management, zero tolerance for corruption, and commitment to good governance.
Ajagba said that Otti’s background as an economist reflects in his leadership style, where every expenditure is monitored and justified to ensure impactful results.
He noted that despite receiving the same federal allocation as other states, the Otti-led administration had achieved remarkable progress through integrity, transparency, and visionary leadership.
Ajagba emphasised that the governor personally supervises projects and tracks spending to guarantee accountability.
He called on other Nigerian governors to emulate Otti’s model of governance, asserting that such an approach would lead to nationwide development.
In separate interviews with newsmen, some members of the UNIPORT 1980s alumni, commended the present administration for its developmental achievements across the state.
A member of the alumni group, Dr Chidi Ulelu, expressed satisfaction with the governor’s performance, and was impressed with the progress achieved in Abia.
Another alumnus, Mr. Ernest Douglas, said the group was proud of Otti as a product of UNIPORT, and urged residents to give him full support to continue his good work.
Also another alumnus, Mr. Duke Odinde, described the governor as a man of proven integrity and vision, adding that “the current progress is only the beginning of greater things to come”.
The group tour covered roads such as the Joe Irukwu Way sections 1, 2 and 3, Omenuko Bridge, Library Avenue, Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, and Port Harcourt Road.
