“Tinubu Shows Love For South-East” — Onuigbo Hails President For Handing Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road To Abia Govt

Former lawmaker and member representing the South East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Rt. Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for approving the transfer of the ongoing Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Federal Road project to the Abia State Government for completion.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Onuigbo described the President’s decision as “a demonstration of wisdom, fairness, and genuine commitment to the infrastructural development of the South East.”

According to him, President Tinubu’s directive allowing the Abia State Government under Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, to take over the remaining 25 kilometres of the 49.5-kilometre stretch shows that the Renewed Hope administration is deeply concerned about the welfare of the people and the economic integration of the South East.

READ ALSO: How Abia Ladies In Libyan Slave Camp Regain Freedom Through Hon. Azubuike’s Intervention

“This show of wisdom and kindness by the President further confirms our assertion that he has the interest of the South East at heart,” Onuigbo stated.

The former House of Representatives member traced the history of the project back to 2016 when he first moved a motion on the floor of the National Assembly calling attention to the deplorable state of the road, particularly between Ndoro and Okweukwu communities in Ikwuano LGA.

Following his motion, he paid a visit to the then Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, which led to the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) executing initial palliative works and flagging off full reconstruction in December 2016.

In 2019, the Federal Government awarded the contract to Hartland Nigeria Limited and Raycon & Company Nigeria Limited.

Onuigbo noted that due to funding challenges occasioned by the recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, he wrote to the ministry in 2021 recommending that the project be included under the NNPCL Road Tax Credit Scheme a move that was later approved by the Federal Government.

“Through persistence, prayers, and partnership, that vision became a reality,” he said, recalling letters of appreciation he sent to then Minister Babatunde Fashola and the coordinating engineer, Chukwunweike Ogbonna Uzo, in 2021.

Onuigbo lauded the President’s consistency in pursuing the vision of infrastructure continuity, referencing Tinubu’s inaugural pledge to build upon the achievements of his predecessor.

He further appreciated Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his supervision and technical guidance, and commended Governor Alex Otti for partnering with the Federal Government to ensure early completion.

“President Tinubu has proven that government is a continuum. By directing Abia State to complete the road, he has shown inclusive leadership that unites rather than divides,” he said.

While expressing optimism that the project will soon be completed, Onuigbo called on residents of the communities along the project corridor to continue cooperating with contractors to ensure seamless execution.

He also urged the newly engaged contractor to expedite drainage and erosion control works for a lasting solution.

“To my people of Ikwuano, let us see this development as our shared victory, proof that when there is persistence and partnership, progress follows,” he said.

“The same road once described as a death trap now stands as a symbol of resilience and responsive governance,” he concluded.