The Media Office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has responded to the speech delivered by Governor Alex Otti during the flag-off of the reconstruction of the Arochukwu-Ohafia Highway on August 28, 2024, at Ebem Ohafia.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by George Maduka, the Media Office expressed deep concern over some of the remarks made by Governor Otti.
“Firstly, the Governor credited the construction of the road to the administration of Dr. Michael Okpara instead of Dr. Ikokwu of PTF, and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ocha Achinuvu, who were instrumental in the construction of the road during their days in the Petroleum Trust Fund.
“During the administration of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as Abia State Governor, the Arochukwu/Ohafia Road was resurfaced from Umuahia to Arochukwu. Therefore, for Governor Otti to say that the road was abandoned by public servants since M.I. Okpara is quite worrisome.
“As the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu played a critical role in persuading then-President Muhammadu Buhari to release funds for the construction of the Arochukwu-Ohafia road. Through his efforts and those of other public servants from Abia North Senatorial District, then-President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the release of funds for the road construction.
“At the same time, major maintenance was carried out through the NDDC, and the damaged sections of the road from Umuahia to Ohafia were repaired.
“It is important that we draw the attention of the Governor and his team to the fact that through the efforts of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, and Hon. Uko Nkole (former member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency), the road was constructed up to Umuchiakuma in Arochukwu LGA, leaving 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 their figures.”
