From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State and the President/CEO of Geometric Power Plant (GPP), Aba, Prof Barth Nnaji, have eulogised the former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, for his intervention while in office that made it possible for the establishment of the GPP
The senator representing Abia North at the upper legislative chamber, was said to have granted waiver to the company while in office that made it become attractive to investors.
Speaking while the Plant was being commissioned, Governor Otti in lauding Kalu, recalled the important role the former Governor played in bringing the plant to fruition.
Otti in recognising Kalu’s pivotal role in initiating the project, attributing its success to his leadership.
The governor recalled that Kalu’s efforts in securing essential waivers to facilitate the power plant during his tenure as the state Chief Executive, attracted him (Otti) to the project when he was former MD/CEO of the now-defunct Diamond Bank.
“Consider it appropriate to appreciate the efforts of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, who gave the initial waivers to Geometric, thereby partially de-risking the transaction.
“If those waivers where not in place, I’m not too sure as a banker, I would have touched it,” Otti said while emphasising Kalu’s commitment to the geometric power plant.
Equally, the promoter of the power Ppant, Prof Nnaji, lauded Senator Kalu over his role at the early stage of the establishment of the plant.
Prof Nnaji said without Kalu granting the company waiver at her formative stage, investors wouldn’t have showed interest.
Aba Power, with the capacity to produce 188 MWT electricity, was started 20 years ago and it’s expected to supply power to Aba metropolis and eight other Local Government Areas within the Aba Ring-Fenced Area.