Infrastructure: Abia Assembly Minority Leader Chukwu Urges State Govt To Address Issues Raised By Hon. Ichita

The Member Representing Bende North State Constituency and Abia Assembly Minority leader, Hon Chijioke Chukwu has criticized the Director Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) in Abia State, Engr Izuchukwu Onwughara for not dealing with the issues raised by the member Representing Aba South State Constituency, Hon Obinna Ichita.

Hon. Ichita had in the past few days cried out over alleged decay in infrastructure within his constituency, saying that $56M Loan assessed from World Bank for Projects in Abia, including Port Harcourt road, Ngwa Road, Ohanku road and environs, has not been properly managed.

Hon. Ichita had fingered the state government over an alleged attack by some hoodlums during a townhall meeting in his constituency, saying it is an attempt to eliminate him and end ongoing investigations on misappropriation of funds by the state government, including Paris Club Refund.

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Hon Ichita went ahead to allege that a whopping “$26M was withdrawn from the $56M for the purchase of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).

He said,” We no see machine, we no see money. That’s why the Bank asked them to stop work. Where is the TBM? Where is the 13 Billion withdrawn for the TBM ?”

Speaking in Umuahia, the state capital, Hon Chukwu stated:

“Though we may not all agree to the ways Hon Ichita has gone about these startling revelations, yet the issues he raised has to be addressed”.

“Was $26M withdrawn for the purchase of Tunnel Boring Machine? If yes, where is it?”

“Since the NEWMAP man has alleged that the $56M was not meant for Hon. Ichita’s Constituency, can we have a detailed list of projects the loan was meant for local Government by local Government?”

“How much has been spent out of the loan and what was it used to achieve because with ready funds one had expected more to have been achieved given the magnitude of decay in infrastructure and the economic importance of the areas especially the Port Harcourt road axis.”

“These are questions we had expected the NEWMAP Boss to answer not to begin to vilify and attack Hon Ichita who is doing his statutory job of demanding for Good governance and accountability.”

“I therefore urge the pragmatic leadership of Abia state House to look into the matter by Inviting the NEWMAP Boss to illuminate on these grey areas as raised by our colleague and investigate the attack on our colleague Hon Ichita to avoid a recurrence of such condemnable holiganism.”

“I also urge the Government of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to live up to expectations by directing the proper and effective utilization of the funds, and ensuring that all the projects shortlisted for implementation across the state are executed,” He concluded.