History was made in Abia , God’s own State as Governor Alex Otti alongside Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Onyeabor Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) commissioned the long abandoned 30 kilometres Ozu Abam -Ndi okereke -Okobo – Amuvi – Arochukwu Road and the Omenuko Bridge that had led to untimely deaths of many reconstructed by the Dr Alex Otti administration.
Speaking on Friday, at a reception organised for him, immediately after the commissioning at Ozu Abam High School, Arochukwu LGA, Governor Alex Otti who titled his speech “AT LAST, THE JINX IS BROKEN” noted that the commissioning of the two landmark projects is a testament to the resolute determination of his administration to address decades of neglect.
“The newly constructed bridge over Igwu River, popularly called Omenuko Bridge, stands as a testament to the resolute determination of our administration to address decades of neglect and set a new governance standard.
“One that empowers communities and enables prosperity for all. In the same vein, the timely delivery of the 30-kilometre stretch of road transversing several clans in Abam and Arochukwu, points us to what we are truly capable of, when the leadership is fully aligned to the aspirations of the community,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti made it clear that he decided to jump into the political ring, years ago to confront the complete collapse of public infrastructure and the attendant frustration it engendered in several urban and rural communities across the State.
“I am glad to say that although it was risky, our decision to step out of our comfort zones to fight for the soul of this great State, was indeed the right one,” he noted.
Governor Otti, who broke into tears, regretted that many lives have been lost due to total neglect of the Omenuko bridge by successive governments.
“On this day, we remember in a very special way, our dear brother, father and mentor, servant of the Most High God, Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai whose body would be laid to rest in a few weeks, who lost 2 of his children at Igwu River more than 40 years ago.
“We also offer our collective condolences to other families whose loved ones perished at different times in the river on account of the dilapidated Omenuko bridge over it, especially Mr Maxwell Uduma of Ohafia, his dear wife, Victoria, and their driver.
“We also remember and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the 17 students who perished on the same river in 2007 on their way to an exam centre,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor used the opportunity to announce the confirmation of Dr Emmanuel Meribeole as the substantive Secretary to the State Government and the appointment of the immediate past SSG, Prof Kenneth Kalu as the President of Abia State Leadership Academy.
Commissioning the historic projects, the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) saluted the Governor for the projects and said that, the projects are critical infrastructure connecting towns and communities.
He commended the Governor for constructing projects that have direct impact on humanity and described It as a great honour to be given the opportunity to commission major critical infrastructure delivered by Governor Alex Otti.
In his speech, the Commissioner Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti recalled that people used to go through Akwa Ibom State to get to Arochukwu in the past and appreciated the commitment of Governor Otti in opening up roads and granting access even in the rural areas.
Also speaking, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Ibe Osonwa, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Uchenna Okoro and former SSG, Professor Kenneth Kalu described the day as special to them and thanked Governor Otti for the massive interventions in Arochukwu Local Government.
Contributing, one of the sons of the soil, and founder of UNUBIKO Foundation, Chief James Umeh thanked Governor Otti for restoring the pride of Abam clan through the reconstruction of the road and construction of the bridge and assured the peoples’ support for him in 2027.
“Our people are very proud of you. You are going to run in 2027, my people said that, they will buy,
“The Expression of Interest Form. They said they will put a seed of 500 Million Naira to your re-election project,” Chief Umeh assured.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion and former Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman, Governing Council, Abia State University, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, recalled that the old dilapidated Omenuko bridge was originally constructed by the British Colonial Government to connect Bende, the then Colonial District headquarters.
He noted regrettably that, “the bridge remained in a deplorable condition under successive governments.
Speaking with Newsmen in an interview, the Eze Aro, His Eminence, Dr Eberechukwu Kanu lauded the decision of Governor Otti to rewrite the history of Omenuko bridge and Arochukwu road and prayed God to bless him abundantly.
