One year in office: Otti inaugurates Abia JAAC building, commends T A Orji for vision
By Steve Oko
Gov. Alex Otti, Wednesday inaugurated the abandoned multi-billion naira five storey Joint Accounts Allocation Committee, JAAC, building which was competed by his administration.
The imposing edifice was initiated by ex-Gov. Theodore Orji before his exit in 2015 but his successor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for whatever reasons, could not complete the project in his eight year-tenure.
Worried about the condition of the structure and its significance if delivered, Dr Otti, on assumption of office in 2023, mobilised the contractor back to site.
In less than one year, the project was delivered with a functional lift and power systems.
Inaugurating the edifice Wednesday as part of the activities marking his One Year in Office, the highlight elated Governor commended the initiator of the project for his vision to embark on the “commendable project”, which arguably is the most modern and aesthetic building in Umuahia at the moment.
Gov. Otti said he decided to complete the gigantic project because of its immense benefit to the state.
” The vision of those who commenced this project is commendable despite the fact they could not complete it. I decided to disburse funds for its completion because government is a continum”, Otti said.
He, therefore, directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu to monitor the completion of the dual carriage road leading to the facility.
Otti said his administration came on board to do things differently and ensure that Abia regained an enviable position in all frontiers.
Earlier in a remark, Prince Nwachukwu commended Gov Otti for his resolve to deliver the abandoned project.
He explained that the Governor could have equally discontinued with the project or engage his own contractor but decided to continue with the original contractor because “his interest is to serve the state.”
The Commissioner regretted that so much funds had been siphoned in the past under the guise of building the project but without result.
” Billions of Naira was siphoned yet the contractor was not paid”, Nwachukwu lamented.
He recalled how in 2015, the workers at the site opened the gate of the complex to members of Otti’s former party, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, fleeing attacks for protesting the outcome of the governorship then.
The Commissioner said that the former administration must have misinterpreted the kind gesture of the workers at the site to mean that the contractor was APGA supporter, hence its refusal to fund the laudable project.
He further said that Otti had demonstrated his passion for quality and development of Abia by ensuring that completion of the project initiated by a different administration.
In a remark, former Council Chairman and the incumbent member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency, Hon Ginger Onwusibe, said the project had in the past served as a conduit pipe to siphon council funds under JAAC.
He commended Otti for breaking the jinx, and assured him of the continued support of the Abia caucus of National Assembly members.
The Rep member said that Abia National Assembly members irrespective of their party affiliations, were impressed with Otti’s performances so far, and would continue to identify with it.
Similarly, the Chairman of Mayors in the state, Dr Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele, also commended Otti for achieving in one year what his predecessor could not do in eight years.
An elder statesman and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Chris Adighje, also commended Otti for laying a foundation for a New Abia.
He said he had not regret believing in Otti, declaring that the Governor has performed creditably in the past 12 months.
Gov. Otti had earlier inaugurated the six-lane Ossah road which serves as the major gateway into the capital city of Umuahia from the Tower junction of the Enugu Port Harcourt Expressway.
The Governor renamed the 3.5 kilometer road after former Head of State, General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi.
” From today, this road shall be called General Thompson Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard”, Otti declared amid cheers from the mammoth crowd of enthusiastic residents who had trooped out in their thousands to catch a glimpse of the moment.
The road was declared open for public use by former Chief of Defense Staff and Vice President, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd.).
The signature project was initiated by Gov. Otti in September 2023 and delivered in less than one year.
Otti had said that the road would be extended to Onuimo briged border with Imo State after the first phase of the project.
Speaking during the inauguration, Gov. Otti said he decided to expand the road which is a major entry point to Umuahia, in order to give the state capital a befitting look.
He said he was almost discouraged by those he consulted who advised against the project because of the cost implication and opposition by property owners on the right of way.
The Governor, however, said that he resolved to push ahead with the project because of its huge benefits to the people.
He said he had also agreed with the Ossah stakeholders that compensation would be paid three times but later decided to pay it once even before the commencement of demolition.
Gov. Otti commended Ossah landlords and owners of property on the road for their cooperation.
He equally commended the contractor for delivery a quality project on record time.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Works, Otumchere Otti, said that Ossah road expansion project would help make traffic in and out of the state capital less stressful.
He disclosed that over 400 structures were demolished with compensation fully paid by the Government.
The Governor later flagged off the construction of bus terminal in Umuahia, said it would put paid to indiscriminate parks around the state capital.
Abians from different political divides trooped out en mass to witness the colourful ceremonies which attracted the presence of the Emir of Azare in Nassarawa State.
Otti’s popularity has continued to grow across the state following his laudable achievements.
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria. 
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