Political Tension in Abia: Ex-Ally Urges Tinubu to Shun Otti’s 6.5km Road Commissioning in Aba
In a dramatic twist ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Abia State, a former political ally of Governor Alex Otti, Professor Moses A. Orji, has called on the President to decline an invitation to commission a 6.5-kilometre road project in Aba. The rebuilt Port Harcourt Road, which is set to be unveiled on May 23, is at the heart of a growing political storm surrounding the Otti-led administration.
In an open letter made public on Tuesday, May 20, Orji criticized the planned presidential visit as a “publicity stunt” and a distraction from what he described as Governor Otti’s lack of substantial achievements in office.
“In which state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has the President gone to commission just a single completed project, and nothing more?” Orji asked pointedly. “Why would Mr. President go to Enugu State to inaugurate seven key projects, and then be invited to Abia for just one?”
Orji alleged that the administration’s widely publicized development agenda has not progressed beyond media announcements, citing stalled projects like the Owazza Integrated Industrial Park, proposed seaports, fertiliser plants, and refineries as evidence of what he termed “governance by propaganda and brinkmanship.”
He also questioned the status of a N7 billion recreational facilities project, suggesting that it remains uncompleted or unaccounted for. Additionally, Orji drew attention to lingering pension arrears, claiming Abia is the only South-East state still owing pensioners.
“We are the only state in the South East still owing pensioners their arrears,” he emphasized, portraying the situation as a failure in fiscal responsibility.
Orji further recalled a previous incident in which Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State was reportedly invited to commission what he described as a minor road near a private residence, branding it another attempt by the Otti administration to “deceive the public and federal authorities with token achievements.”
“It could even be in the personal interest of Governor Otti that the President doesn’t come now,” Orji warned. “Perhaps Otti needs time to put his house in order.”
The release of Orji’s open letter has intensified the political atmosphere in Abia as preparations continue for President Tinubu’s visit. The development also underscores emerging cracks within the political elite in the state, with former allies now openly challenging the government’s performance and credibility.
While the Otti administration has not officially responded to the claims, supporters argue that the rebuilt Port Harcourt Road represents a significant step in the governor’s urban renewal program and deserves national recognition.
The coming days are expected to further clarify whether the President will go ahead with the planned visit, and how the political fallout from Orji’s criticism will reshape public perception of the Otti-led government.
