Abia State Governor on Friday played his to his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde during the commissioning of the newly constructed Nwaobasi Ring Road, Ehere and Umuakatawom – Osaa Okea Road road in Obingwa LGA.
At the project commissioning, the governor reiterated that the essence of governance is to bring about democratic dividends to the people, assuring that he would complete all his road projects before leaving office.
He announced that next week, commissioning of road projects in Umuahia, the State capital would commence, Onyebuchi Ememanka, chief press Secretary to the Governor said in a statement.
The governor said that the construction of Nwaobasi Ring Road was one of his strategic thinking in enabling free flow traffic in Aba and enhancing economic development in the State. He said that the road would serve many people including those who would want to get to Umuahia from Ikot-ekpene road without passing through Aba main town.
Governor Ikpeazu recalled the impassible nature of the road as it was practically impossible to move from Opobo road to Ehere market, making it difficult to access the market. He said that his government embarked on constructing the road is a reflection of his administration effort to reach out to residents who feel neglected.
The statement read in part, “He said that the Umuakatawom road crisscrosses many rural communities, emphasising that the road was the first asphalted road in that community. According to him, the road was delivered in line with specifications and in record time.
“Commissioning the projects, the special guest of honour and Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for constructing the roads to ensure that the local economy is positively affected. He expressed happiness that Governor Ikpeazu fixed the Nwaobasi road which is a neglected road and maintained that he was proud to be associated with Governor Ikpeazu, who he descibed as a performing Governor, a leading light and a true progressive.
“Governor Makinde used the opportunity to reveal that he has not been appointed the Chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum , explaining that if the Chairman resigned his appointment, it is the Deputy Chairman of the Forum, being Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who would take over as the Chairman of the forum. He appreciated Governor Ikpeazu for appointing members of the Yoruba community to positions of authority and urged them to remain supportive of the administration.
“In his speech, the Commissioner for Works, Barr. Bob Ogu said the roads are strategic, saying that while the Nwaobasi Ring Road links the Ikot-ekpene road and Umuahia without having to pass through Aba town, the Umuakatawom road which is located in a rural area close to Aba would assist in ensuring that agricultural produce gets to Aba.
“Earlier in their speeches, the Chairman, Obingwa LGA, Mrs. Uloma Nwogu and the Chairman of the Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Ndubuisi Nwabekee lauded Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for fixing the roads. They said that the Governor has done well in all sectors of the economy, especially that of road infrastructure where he has done over 150 roads in the State
“Speaking on behalf of members of the Yoruba community in Abia State, Mr. Babatunde Olamidele welcomed the Oyo State Governor and extolled Governor Ikpeazu for appointing him and other non indigens to political positions and assured him of their unalloyed support.
“Also speaking, some beneficiaries of the road, including Eze Young Nwangwa, Rev. Paulinus Ngele of Assemblies of God Church, the Ehere Association Youth President , Dr. Okezie Emeka Henry thanked the Governor for constructing the roads narrating that they have suffered untold hardship in the past before the Governor’s intervention.
“The event attracted the presence of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, members of the State House of Assembly, PDP Governorship candidate, Prof. Uche Ikonne, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Okey Nwamoh, Secretary to Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, PDP Senatorial Candidate for Abia Central, Col. Austin Akobundu (Rtd), Commissioners, PDP State Chairman, LGA Chairmen,Traditional Rulers, members of the clergy amongst other dignitaries.”
