Gov Otti inaugurates 41.4km Ohafia-Arochukwu Road

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State On Wednesday, flagged off the 41.4 kilometer Ohafia-Arochukwu federal road assuring that the road would be finished within 18 months.

Amidst enthusiastic cheers from residents of over 60 local communities, Governor Alex Otti officially launched the project, emphasizing his administration's commitment to improving accessibility throughout Abia State. He assured that the ongoing development aims to ensure every region of Abia is reachable, signaling a major step toward enhancing infrastructure and connectivity in the area.

He observed that despite the road being a federal responsibility, he decided to step in to alleviate the hardship faced by commuters who have endured significant suffering due to its deterioration.

The Governor also mentioned that the prospect of repairing the road in the 1990s was thwarted following the death of former Military Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.

He added that the historic regional road was originally built in the 1960s under Dr. Michael Okpara, the late Premier of the former Eastern Nigeria and was subsequently neglected by successive administrations.

"In the mid-1990s, there was widespread jubilation and optimism when the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, an intervention agency established by General Sani Abacha's military regime, awarded a contract for the reconstruction of the 71.8-kilometer Umuahia-Arochukwu Road. The project began smoothly in the Umuahia section but came to an abrupt halt after the death of the then military Head of State and the subsequent dissolution of the PTF. This left the community’s hopes dashed and their suffering prolonged, seemingly without end", Otti said.

"As a federal road, previous state administrations believed it was more appropriate for the Federal Government to handle its repair. Although there were several disorganised attempts by Abuja to address the reconstruction around 2012, funds were reportedly allocated, but for unclear reasons, no substantial progress was made. As a result, residents continued to endure the daily frustration of navigating what several respected newspaper columnists labeled as the 'worst federal road in Nigeria."

"Today, we are taking control of our future, confident that with the Federal Government's full approval for this project, they will ultimately act in a way that is just and beneficial for the long-term economic interests of the people of Abia State."

Otti, who vowed to finish all projects initiated by his administration, urged the contractor to complete the work in record time.

Meanwhile, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu through his media office has responded to Gov. Alex Otti's speech given at the flag-off event for the reconstruction of the Arochukwu-Ohafia Highway on Wednesday in Ebem Ohafia.

Kalu mentioned he was instrumental in convincing President Muhammadu Buhari to allocate funds for the construction of the road. He added that through his efforts and those of other public servants from Abia North Senatorial District, former President Muhammadu Buhari directed the release of funds for the construction of the road.

George Maduka, who signed the statement stated “It is important that we draw the attention of the Governor and his team that through the effort of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and that of Hon. Uko Nkole (former member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency), the said road was constructed up to Umuchiakuma in Arochukwu LGA, leaving it with about 14.5 kilometers remaining.

The record should be corrected by the governor’s team—so that when refunds are applied for, both the Federal Government, and the Nigerian Senate won’t have issues reconciling with their figures.”

The statement also noted that during Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu's tenure as Abia State Governor, the Arochukwu/Ohafia Road was resurfaced from Umuahia to Arochukwu. Stating that it is condescending for Governor Otti to claim that the road had been neglected by public servants since the time of M.I. Okpara.

Also Read: Umuahia Road Accident -One Confirmed Fatality

The statement pointed out that its wrong for the governor to attribut the road's construction to Dr. Michael Okpara's administration, rather than acknowledging Dr. Ikokwu of the Petroleum Trust Fund and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ocha Achinuvu, who played a crucial role in the road's development during their time with the PTF.