The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, says he is working towards the creation of more Local Government Areas in the State for administrative convenience and better service delivery to the people.
Governor Otti who disclosed this at Awomukwu High School in Ikwuano Local Government Area, during a civic reception organized by Awomukwu Think Tank Forum in honour of two of their illustrious sons, Dr. Monday Ubani, who was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN and Chief Davidson Alaribe who was earlier this year decorated as the 60th President of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria ICAN.
The State Chief Executive while responding to a request by the people of Ikwuano to fix the Ariam-Usaka Road and other important roads in the LGA, reiterated his stand that once elections are over, governance sets in, hence, the need to work with all elected political leaders and parties to fix the State.
“Distinguish Senator Austin Akobundu had also whispered to me that Ariam-Usaka Road made it into the proposed 2025 Federal Budget. I am going to work with him to ensure that if the money in the budget is not enough, we will put more money in the budget and get it done next year.
“When you look at some Local Governments, they are so big to even be two local Governments. And, if you know the geographical structure of this State, you will know that Ikwuano is one of those Local Governments that should not be one. I would also like to State immediately that that is not an attempt to divide you people, it’s just for administrative convenience. So, we are going to do everything possible to ensure that the right thing is done”, said Governor Otti.
He further disclosed that part of his administration’s major project in 2025 is to provide potable drinking water to Abians, which would be delivered through the direct Labour policy of his administration as being done in road construction and maintenance in the State.
“I want to assure you that Ikwuano will benefit a great deal from our 2025 water project. It is, therefore, our decision to put pipe-borne water in the different communities in Abia State by direct Labour. To that extent, we have acquired a massive industrial drilling rig, which has arrived the State a few days ago and we will deploy them to all parts of the State. It can drill like 200 metres in an hour”, the Governor stated.
Using the story of his humble beginning and that of the ICAN President, Chief Alaribe, the Governor encouraged the youths to work hard, believe in God, believe in themselves, and pursue their dreams, adding that they are the only ones who can stop themselves from achieving greatness.
Governor Otti congratulated the celebrants on their achievements, adding that greater achievements awaits them.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, Sen. Austine Akobundu, pledged collaboration with Governor Otti for the development of the State.
Sen. Akobundu said that he is in total agreement with the Governor that Abians are not interested in the rhetorics of political parties but interested in the dividends of democracy. He thanked Governor Otti for his leadership and for reaching out and meeting with those of them in the National Assembly for the overall development of the State.
In their responses, the celebrants thanked Governor Otti for honouring them with his presence, not just at the Civic reception but also when the main events for which they are celebrated at home happened.
Our correspondent reports that Governor Otti later headed to Elu Ohafia in Ohafia LGA for the celebration of Mr. Uzo Uma Kalu’s retirement from active community service.
