From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi has lauded Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti for reconstructing federal roads in the State and delivering quality work.
Umahi made the commendation when he visited Governor Otti in his office after inspecting some ongoing federal roads in Abia State.
The Minister told Otti he deliberately did not want to tell him of his visit as to secretly get undiluted information on the roads the state government has done and the ones being executed by the federal government.
“I didn’t want to tell you (Gov. Otti), you didn’t know I was coming, but I’m here principally to secretly look at some of our projects in Abia State that we want to commission by December,
“To also look at some of the great projects you are doing that the President will commission when he visits Abia State, so that I’ll be able to report properly to him (Mr. President).
“And I’ve gone around on my own, I didn’t ask anybody to join me, and I want to say that, I’m very, very proud of what you are doing for Abia people. I’m really proud.
“Not only the quantum of projects you have completed, but the quality also, especially, the Port-Harcourt Road. It’s mind-blowing that, that place could be recovered. And, I think it’s only a heart of yours that can recover that place the way it is.
“I commend you very highly, and it’s only Mr. President, the man of infrastructure, that will be qualified to commission that project.. I want to also thank you for some of the interventions on our Federal Roads, “Umahi stated.
He also appreciated Governor Otti for the encouragement given to the construction of two sections of Port Harcourt to Enugu Expressway, adding, that, before Governor Otti came on board, it was difficult for the contractor to freely work.
While appealing to Governors to partner the federal government in carrying out various projects in their States, not minding party differences.
Umahi pleaded with Governor Otti, “to look at the plight of our people on the other carriageway. See what you can do to help us. Even if you want to use the same contractor, use them,”
Umahi appreciated the good long standing relationship between President Tinubu and Governor Otti and noted that the President is doing many projects in the South East.
“We have every reason as Ndigbo and people of the Southeast, irrespective of party affiliation, to stand with this man (President Tinubu) who is standing with the Southeast.
“To rewrite our history and relaunch us into the mainstream of the federal government. So, I will not preach to you about support for the President because you have been the President’s very good friend, even before I came to know the President.
“And I’m happy that you have so much love for the President. And Your Excellency, without speaking for you, I will beat my chest to say that all the Governors of Southeast are standing with the President,” Umahi stated.
Governor Otti while responding, reiterated his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the Federal Government in delivering key infrastructural projects that would impact positively on the lives of the people.
He appreciated the Federal Government’s support to Abia and assured that the State would continue to partner with the Federal Government as one administration.
“I want to reassure you that we’ll work with the Federal Government and ensure that we work together and collaboratively for the benefit of our people.”
Governor Otti recounted his encounter with President Bola Tinubu when he sought the President’s approval for the state to fix some federal roads in Abia that were in bad condition including the Port Harcourt Road, Aba, Ohafia-Arochukwu Road and the Onuimo-Umuahia road among others.
“The Enugu – Port Harcourt carriageway that you spoke about, I would ask the Commissioner for Works to go and have a look at it.
“I am happy that you have gone round. We were ready to commission the Port Harcourt road and a few other projects by the 23rd of last month. But somehow, the President had to go to the Vatican for the inauguration of the new Pope. And we had to put it off.
“And, we have a few more roads that will be ready for him to commission in addition to Port Harcourt Road. I’m also in touch with the President’s office to get his availability so that he can come and commission the road and also speak to our people”, Otti said.