Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has inaugurated the 10.98 kilometer Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo road expected to shore up economic activities in Rivers State.

The project was executed at the cost of N6.7 billion.

The inauguration is part of activities lined up to mark Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s first year in office.

At the inaugural ceremony in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, Mr Fubara said that the road would serve as a bypass to ease off pressure from the East-West road currently in bad shape.

He said, “This bypass is an alternative route to some sections of the East-West road that are motorable; this gesture is an indication that this government has the interest and support of the federal government. I will continue to identify with good governance; with people who want to make an impact on the lives of our people. I will also join in giving them hope in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the federal government.’’

Mr Fubara noted that the project, awarded on August 14, 2023 at the cost of N6.7 billion and completed in record time of eight months, had been completely paid for.

He lamented that his administration inherited a huge debt from his predecessor, adding that contractors of most of the projects inaugurated by the last administration had been coming for the payment of unpaid balances.

He said that the debts were in “millions and billions of naira.”

Mr Fubara also commended Mr Otti for delivering good governance to his people.

He said that he decided to invite him (Otti) to inaugurate the road due to his integrity and high level impact in Abia amid difficulties.

On his part, Mr Otti congratulated Mr Fubara for his service to the people.

“For me, leadership is service to the people. We have collaborated for a long time; clearly, the governor is grounded having served in the corridors of power. He came prepared. I don’t believe that any distraction is enough to take his focus away from the welfare and interest of the people. I can assure you, Rivers people, that the dividends of democracy that you are seeing now is an indication of delivery of more projects in no distant time,” he said.

Earlier, the paramount ruler of Eleme, Philip Obele, commended the governor for the project, and on behalf of his domain, pledged to support the governor as he pioneered the affairs of the state.

A former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, ex-Nigeria’s Ambassador to The Netherlands, Orji Ngofa and traditional rulers were among the dignitaries at the occasion.

(NAN)