Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that his administration spent far less on the successful reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road in Aba than the past administration, which failed to complete the project despite expending a hefty sum.
Speaking at a colourful event dubbed “Promise Kept Carnival” on Wednesday, held at Umuagbai Secondary School, Aba, Otti told a cheering crowd that the road project, abandoned for over 30 years, is now a reality under his leadership. The event was organized by members of the Aba community to appreciate the Governor for fulfilling his campaign promise.
Governor Otti used the opportunity to take a swipe at critics of his administration, particularly those questioning the cost of the completed road.
“Back in 2017, the previous government claimed it spent N9.8 billion on Port Harcourt Road. At the time, the exchange rate was around N333 to a dollar, translating to about $29 million,” Otti said.
“In contrast, our administration spent N36.5 billion in 2025, but with the dollar now at N1,600, that equates to $22.8 million. So you can see for yourselves—we spent less in dollar terms and got the job done,” he explained.
The Governor said his administration would continue to respond to political noise with evidence of progress, not arguments. “We have chosen to ignore them and focus on results,” he said.
Electric Buses Coming to Abia
In a further display of infrastructural progress, Governor Otti announced the rollout of 20 electric buses in Abia State’s public transport system. He said these eco-friendly vehicles would hit the roads within the next two months as part of a broader modernization effort.
“We’ve already paid for 20 electric buses. The kind of buses you see overseas—those are what we’re bringing to Abia. But ours won’t run on petrol or diesel; they will be fully electric,” Otti told the crowd.
The initiative will be complemented by the construction of state-of-the-art bus terminals across the state, he added.
Honesty Rewarded in Aba
Governor Otti also recognized an act of integrity that captured the public’s attention. He presented a N1.4 million reward to a Keke (tricycle) driver in Aba who returned N2.4 million forgotten by a passenger.
He praised the gesture as an example of the honesty and values Abians are known for. “This is the kind of character we want to see more of in our society,” he said.
Support from Stakeholders and Lawmakers
The event also drew commendations from political and business leaders in the state. Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, hailed Governor Otti’s accomplishments, describing them as a model of visionary governance.
Leaders of the Aba business community and landlords’ association—including Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and Ide John Udeagba—said the transformation of Port Harcourt Road marks a turning point for the commercial hub.
They noted that the road, which connects major economic routes, is critical to Aba’s revival as a manufacturing and trading city.
A New Dawn for Abia
Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, convener of the carnival, said the event symbolized a new era in Abia’s development history.
“Today we celebrate not just a road but the rebirth of hope for Aba. Governor Otti’s achievements are not just physical; they are symbolic of a government that listens and delivers,” he said.
As the drums beat and praises rang out at the carnival, the message from Aba was clear: Governor Alex Otti has not only completed a long-forgotten road but has also rekindled the people’s trust in leadership.
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