The Media Office of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District, has responded to Governor Alex Otti’s speech at the flag-off of the Arochukwu-Ohafia Highway reconstruction on August 28, 2024.
In a statement signed by George Maduka, the Media Office expressed concerns over certain paragraphs of Governor Otti’s speech.
The statement read: “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 to the construction of the road during their days in the Petroleum Trust Fund.”
The Media Office also noted that during Senator Kalu’s tenure as Abia State Governor, the Arochukwu/Ohafia Road was resurfaced from Umuahia—Arochukwu.
Therefore, Governor Otti’s claim that the road was abandoned by public servants since M.I. Okpara is “quite worrisome.”
The statement further highlighted Senator Kalu’s role in securing funding for the road construction, saying: “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 that of other public servants from Abia North Senatorial District, then President Muhammadu Buhari ordered for funds to be released for the road construction.”
The Media Office concluded by stating: “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.”
