By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA – Former Governor of Rivers State and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rotimi Amaechi, has called on Abia State Governor Alex Otti to disclose the source of funds financing the massive infrastructure development currently ongoing in the state.
Amaechi, who made the remarks while addressing journalists during a project tour in Abia, led a delegation comprising alumni and classmates of Governor Otti from the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT). He commended the governor’s impressive achievements in less than 22 months in office.
“We are a delegation of Governor Alex Otti’s year mates from the University of Port Harcourt, those of us who graduated between 1980 and 1989,” Amaechi stated. “Seeing is believing. This is incredible—especially Port Harcourt Road. The last time I was here, it was littered with refuse and riddled with gullies, not potholes. To see the transformation is commendable.”
Amaechi praised the quality of work but questioned how the governor was funding the projects, noting the frequent complaints by governors of smaller states about inadequate federal allocations.
“The question to ask is: where is he getting the money to fund all this? Many governors complain—genuinely—that there’s no money. So, Alex must tell us how he’s doing it,” Amaechi said.
He also expressed admiration for the ongoing reconstruction of the Omenuko Bridge on the Abam-Ohafia Road, describing the previous colonial-era structure as a “death trap.”
“What I saw there was terrifying. The old bridge looked like something out of the civil war era. Why was it left in that condition all these years? Did the previous governors not see it? People even died there in the ‘70s and ‘80s,” he remarked.
Amaechi lauded Otti’s choice of reputable contractors like Julius Berger, recalling his own experience working with them on major railway projects such as Warri-Itakpe, Lagos-Ibadan, and Port Harcourt-Aba rail lines.
Impressed by the developments, Amaechi predicted that Otti’s second-term bid would be “a walkover,” if the current pace and quality of work were sustained. He urged the people of Abia to continue supporting the governor.
Other members of the UNIPORT alumni delegation—Hon. Ernest Rowland Douglas, a retired diplomat; Dr. Chidi Ulelu; and Mr. Duke Odinde—echoed Amaechi’s sentiments, describing Otti as “a homeboy and worthy colleague” who deserved their full support.
Projects inspected during the tour included: Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Akara–Abiriba–Ohafia (Sections 1–3), Omenuko Bridge, Library Avenue (Bank Road), Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard and Port Harcourt Road, Aba.
The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who led the tour, attributed the infrastructural turnaround to Otti’s prudent management of funds, zero tolerance for corruption, integrity, and a commitment to good governance.
“Every kobo spent is justified,” Ajagba noted. “People asking where the money is coming from shows how prudent the governor has been. If others could emulate this, Nigeria would be a better place.”
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