Otti Conscious of Due Process in Capital City Road Expansion Project, Says Aide
Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia
Abia State governor, Mr. Alex Otti has followed every protocol of due process in the expansion project of the 3.5 kilometres main entry road into Umuahia, the capital city.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due Process and Procurement, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, gave the affirmation in a chat with journalists following the
Governor Alex Otti had on September 27, 2023 inaugurated the reconstruction of the 3.5km four-lane Ossah-Okpara Square Road to six lanes, saying that it would bring aesthetic and economic value to the Abia capital city.
Chukwu described the initiative as “an outstanding innovation” which is in tandem with the governor’s campaign promises to make Umuahia conducive enough for people to live and do business.
He said due process was observed right from conceptualisation of the project, award of the contract, enumeration of properties for demolition, identification of owners and payment of compensation.
“Governor Alex Otti is very meticulous, and only concerned with excellence performance, accountability, and probity, which is part of the agreement he had with Abians that warranted their massive vote for him and other Labour Party Candidates,” he said.
According to the SSA on Due Process, the six lane road project “is first of its kind since the creation of Abia”, adding that the project “is aimed at fast tracking development, reducing the constant traffic jams”.
He said that the governor was committed to giving Umuahia “adoring aesthetics, befitting of a capital city which has eluded the state for long”, adding that it was in line with the visions of the founding fathers of Abia.
Chukwu defended the award of the road expansion contract messrs Craneburg, saying that the it is a grade A construction firm”, which would do a nice job according to specifications.
According to him, “Governor Otti is a man with high taste on projects, and has the potentials, and penchant for quality output” hence his “government cannot afford to compromise standards”.
Chukwu said that the Due Process Office with other relevant Government MDA’s, would from time to time embark on routine monitoring and supervision of capital projects in the state to ensure quality and durability.
He warned that any contractor found wanting at any stage of work, the Due Process Office “will not hesitate to stop work at any project site that falls below standards”.
