Clamors Over Abia State’s New Road Project Between Top Officials
A recently-launched road project in Abia State, measuring 19.1 km and connecting several towns in the region, has reignited a heated debate among high-ranking officials. Ex-finance commissioner Obinna Oriaku and special advisor to Governor Alex Otti, Ferdinand Ekeoma, have taken shots at each other over their allegations regarding the project.
According to Oriaku, Governor Otti’s administration didn’t contribute a dime to the project, reinitiated in 2016 by the previous governor Okezie Ikpeazu and now being financed by the World Bank. Additionally, Oriaku alleges that Governor Otti focuses road construction efforts on routes within Abia North Senatorial zone, neglecting the local government.
“You [Governor Otti’s administration] have zero naira contribution outside that initial investment made by the state before now,” Oriaku wrote. “You’ll not use the World Bank project to compensate for neglecting the supposed local government.”
Ekeoma fiercely responded, accusing Oriaku of spreading misinformation. While acknowledging the project was backed by the World Bank, Ekeoma revealed that the Abia state government has made significant contributions of its own. Ekeoma claimed that 12 billion Naira outstanding debt is a testament to this commitment.
“Alex Otti’s government made significant financial contributions, therefore Abia money is heavily invested in this project.”
Despite Ekeoma’s explanations, Oriaku doubles down on his claims.
We will not allow [Government] to use a World Bank project to patch up the neglect of your supposedly local government,” wrote Oriaku.
The clash marks a significant escalation of already tense relations between leading politicians in Abia. A clear understanding of whether, as Oriaku proposes, the state government does little to contribute to their massive infrastructure projects, with international funding serving as make-good measures, remains clouded.
