Governor Alex Otti says having a federal secretariat in Abia will have multiplier economic and aesthetic effects on the state’s overall development. But he accused state actors of frustrating establishing the secretariat.

Mr Otti said this on Wednesday when Sam Onuigbo, a former legislator representing (Ikwuano-Umuahia North-Umuahia South federal constituency), paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Umuahia.

Mr Otti regretted that while almost all the states in the federation, including those created in 1996 (six years after Abia), had functional federal secretariats, Abia has yet to have its own.

Mr Otti expressed dismay that efforts to construct a federal secretariat in the state were frustrated in the past by some state actors. The governor commended Mr Onuigbo for his unwavering pursuit of the project despite the frustrations encountered along the way.

Mr Otti said he was excited that Onuigbo shared a similar perspective on the matter and the construction of the 16-kilometre Umuahia-Umudike Road from Abia Tower.

The Abia governor added that he had started the process of dualising the road from Abia Tower to Okpara Square to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

According to him, the project aligns with his vision of enhancing the aesthetics of Umuahia, the capital city.

Mr Otti stated that he was pleased to learn from Mr Onuigbo that a plan was already in motion for the project, including constructing a flyover from Amachara to Ossah.

Meanwhile, Mr Otti has expressed concern over the impact of climate change and the need to prioritise sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in Abia. 

He further spoke on the importance of creating opportunities and achieving low greenhouse gas emissions, including green growth and sustainable economic development.

Mr Onuigbo, who sponsored Nigeria’s Climate Change Act 2021, praised the governor’s vision and pledged to offer his legislative, intellectual and technical expertise to drive climate change action in Abia.

(NAN)