By Steve Oko
Regardless of the constructing opposition to Gov. Alex Otti’s second time period bid by a coalition of former governors and their loyalists, political observers consider the duty could show tough if not unimaginable contemplating the Governor’s report of efficiency in lower than three years.
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Whereas no administration is with out shortcomings, Otti’s achievements are tangible, measurable and visual throughout Abia State. They can’t be simply dismissed by propaganda or political scheming.
Earlier than his emergence in 2023, Abia was trapped in years of decay, stagnation and maladministration. However right now, the narrative has modified. The Otti administration has restored hope, rebuilt confidence and redefined governance throughout important sectors of the state’s economic system.
From infrastructure renewal to cost of wage and pension arrears; financial revival to reforms in transportation, well being and training, Otti has demonstrated preparedness, self-discipline and dedication to good governance.
Key milestones strengthening Otti’s 2nd time period prospects
Port Harcourt Highway, Aba
As soon as an emblem of abandonment, the 6.5km Port Harcourt Highway linking Aba’s industrial hub to the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, has been absolutely rehabilitated with avenue lights put in. Dealt with by Julius Berger, this historic mission marked the corporate’s first main engagement in Abia. Enterprise homeowners who’ve rebounced on account of this, plus tens of millions of different highway customers will naturally reward Otti on the polls.
Ossah Highway Enlargement, Umuahia
What many dismissed as political rhetoric turned actuality inside months. Ossah Highway was expanded right into a six-lane freeway, with full compensation paid to affected property homeowners even earlier than development started, an unprecedented transfer in Abia’s historical past. Umuahia right now has a befitting entry level, all the best way all the way down to Onuimo bridge, a border city with Imo State.
Omenuko Bridge, Abam
The colonial-era bridge at Nmuri River, lengthy a loss of life entice, has been changed with a contemporary construction that now doubles as a vacationer attraction, ending many years of tragedy and neglect.
Abam–Arochukwu Highway
By rehabilitating the 30km Abam–Ndi Okereke Highway, Otti has damaged decades-old jinx that left Arochukwu accessible primarily by Akwa Ibom. At this time, Arochukwu is lower than an hour’s drive from Umuahia. The saying that “no highway to Aro is brief”, has been rendered incorrect.
Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Highway
This 60km arterial highway connecting Abia North to the state capital has been absolutely reconstructed and illuminated, restoring mobility and financial exercise throughout the senatorial zone.
Umuahia Central Motor Park & Transport Reform
The practically accomplished Central Bus Terminal is ready to decongest the town centre, whereas the introduction of electrical buses for city transport has earned public commendation.
Well being, Schooling and City Renewal
Otti’s well being sector reforms embrace the revival of Abia State College Educating Hospital (ABSUTH), Aba; large upgrades at Abia Specialist Hospital Umuahia; growth of Amachara Normal Hospital; and the retrofitting of over 200 major healthcare centres statewide.
Tertiary establishments together with Abia State College, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic and Abia State School of Schooling (Technical), Arochukwu, are witnessing unprecedented infrastructural upgrades. Public major and secondary colleges are additionally benefiting, alongside free training as much as JSS3 and the employment of 5,000 lecturers, with 4,000 extra underway.
Umuahia’s transformation into a contemporary capital with streetlights, visitors techniques and expanded roads, is obvious. For the primary time, befitting constructions are rising at Authorities Home, together with a brand new Governor’s Lodge and workplace complicated beneath development.
Staff, atmosphere and public belief
Common cost of salaries and pensions on or earlier than the twenty eighth of each month, has earned Otti the loyalty of staff and pensioners lengthy traumatized by previous administrations.
Environmental sanitation has additionally improved remarkably. Abia, as soon as ranked among the many dirtiest states, now stands out as one of many cleanest inside simply two years.
With these seen achievements, many supporters and impartial observers consider Governor Otti’s re-election bid enjoys a robust benefit. Causes adduced by the forces ganging up towards him don’t appear to resonate with the overwhelming majority of residents, Nevertheless, Nigerian politics stays unpredictable. Vigilance is important, for because the saying goes: it’s not over till it’s over.
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