Port Harcourt Road to Be Commissioned on May 29 as Gov. Otti Explains Why He Operates from Private Residence
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that the reconstruction and expansion of Port Harcourt Road, Aba, handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Ltd., will be completed and ready for commissioning on May 29, 2025.
Governor Otti made this disclosure during the monthly media briefing tagged "Governor Otti Speaks to Abians." He reaffirmed his administrations commitment to massive infrastructural development, stating that time is of the essence in transforming Abia States economy.
Emphasizing the urgency of his government developmental agenda, Gov. Otti said:
"We don'thave time. We are in a hurry. We have to do so many things at the same time. Before you know it, four years will be over, and we don't-want to look back wondering what happened."
He explained that even before his official swearing-in, his administration invited Julius Berger to begin road design for Port Harcourt Road to ensure early commencement of work.
Some people didn'tunderstand what we were doing. They thought we were in a hurry to take over, but we were simply trying to maximize time.
Gov. Otti also provided updates on other ongoing and upcoming infrastructural projects across the state:
Library Avenue (Bank Road) Expansion-Set for completion by March 2025.
Omenuko Bridge Project-Progressing steadily.
Owaza Road Reconstruction (Ukwa West LGA) Flag-off -scheduled for next week.
He assured residents that his government remains committed to providing an efficient road network, particularly in Aba, Umuahia, and other LGAs.
The Governor acknowledged significant improvements in power supply stability across the state and noted that his administration is working on further enhancing electricity availability.
Regarding security, he commended the states security agencies for their proactive measures, which have resulted in a peaceful and stable environment in Abia State.
When asked why he has been operating from his private residence instead of renovating the Abia Government House in Umuahia, Gov. Otti emphasized that his top priorities are infrastructure, healthcare, and education not personal comfort.
Abians want to see activities, not where their Governor is staying. Where I live is not as important as having roads in Aba and Umuahia, keeping our cities clean 24/7, providing good hospitals, and ensuring accessible schools.
He explained that when he inspected the Governors Lodge and Office, they were in a terrible state of disrepair, having been vandalized and looted by the past administration.
Renovating them requires significant funds, but I considered it more urgent to channel those resources into infrastructure, security, health, the environment, and education.
However, the Governor reassured residents that plans are in place to renovate the Government House in due course, ensuring it serves both his administration and future governments.
I can assure you that, in no distant time, we will come here and fix the Government House,he added.
Governor Alex Otti's administration remains focused on fast-tracking development in Abia State. With the Port Harcourt Road project set for commissioning by May 29, and several other infrastructural projects progressing, the state is witnessing significant transformation.
The Governors decision to prioritize critical sectors over personal convenience highlights his commitment to effective governance and people-oriented leadership.
