President Tinubu Commends Governor Alex Otti for Transforming Aba During Landmark Road Commissioning

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has praised Governor Alex Otti for restoring the lost glory of Aba, the Enyimba City, during the commissioning of key road projects executed by the state government.

Addressing Abians at the Enyimba International Stadium, President Tinubu highlighted Governor Otti’s commitment to infrastructural development across Aba. The commissioning included the 6.7-kilometre, 6-lane dual carriage Port Harcourt Road, along with Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road by East, Ajiwe Street, Pepple’s Road, Gabriel Nwosu, Nkoro, and Umuatako Roads.

Represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, the President noted that Abians have reclaimed their state through the leadership of Governor Otti. He stated: “It shows the love you have for our government, for your Governor, and for the infrastructural development taking place in Abia State.”

President Tinubu recounted the day’s engagements, noting that since his 10 a.m. arrival, several projects had been commissioned: “First was the Michael Okpara Auditorium, a legacy project, a beauty to behold, the wonder of recovering the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road by the construction giant, Julius Berger, Ohanku Road strongly built, and 6 other Roads across Aba, the famous Enyimba City.”

He praised the Governor’s efficiency and economic expertise, adding: “The way and speed your Governor is going, by the end of his remaining five and a half years, the entire State will be fully recovered. 

“I commend your Governor very highly. He is a sound economist, and a very experienced personality. I have no doubt, that through him, Abia has recovered her lost glory.”

President Tinubu underscored Abia State’s critical role in Nigeria’s economic development, reaffirming his government’s support for state-level governance: “I am committed to helping and working with your Governor to ensure that Abia people fully take back their State. Let me assure the people of the State that we are committed to helping the sub-nationals. 

“The removal of fuel subsidy is getting a lot of monumental projects across the Country. We are witnessing the gains of the removal of subsidy here in Abia State. It is happening in other States of Nigeria.”

He also highlighted ongoing federal projects in the South East and called for continued public support for these initiatives.

Governor Alex Otti described the newly commissioned roads as crucial to the economic and social vitality of Aba’s business community: “Our joy is boundless, and for millions of people who live in this city, this day shall remain a background in our memory. 

“Port Harcourt Road, which at some point mirrored Aba’s regrettable decline, has now returned triumphantly to its place in destiny.”

He projected significant economic benefits from the infrastructure: “It is projected that the economic impact of these roads could see the value of Aba’s gross domestic product rise significantly in the medium to long term. I have no doubt, that over the next 12 months, the volume of trade between Aba and other business capitals in the country will double.”

Governor Otti also requested presidential support for developing a functional rail network in the South-East and South-South regions, as well as optimizing nearby seaports for increased exports. 

On the matter of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Governor Otti reassured the public: “I can assure you that I am engaging with Mr. President and he is favourably disposed to it (releasing of Nnamdi Kanu). And I’m sure that in no distant future, Nnamdi Kanu will regain his freedom.”

Senator Enyinaya Abaribe, representing Abia South senatorial zone, commended the Governor’s projects while advocating for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, stating it would promote lasting peace in the South East.

Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, lauded Governor Otti for the transformative projects and called for strengthened Federal-State partnerships: “I have seen projects carried out by the Governor, and I commend him.”

Kalu also appealed to President Tinubu regarding ongoing demolitions affecting Igbo residents in Lagos, urging a more humane approach: “Mr President, for some of them who have not gotten the right document, my plea to you is to appeal to the Governor of Lagos State to keep accommodating our brothers and please allow them to rectify their document instead of destruction.”

He praised President Tinubu’s inclusiveness in governance, citing key appointments of Igbo leaders.

The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the member representating Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe and Senator Darlington Nwokocha congratulated Governor Otti, asserting that he has earned the trust of Abians for a second term in office.

The event also featured the conferment of the Chieftaincy title “Ụdọ Kpụ Enyi 1 of Abia State” on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, led by Chairman HRM Eze Linus Nto Mbah.

The occasion drew an enthusiastic crowd, government functionaries, business moguls, stakeholders and dignitaries nationwide, underscoring the widespread recognition of both Governor Otti’s development agenda and President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity.