Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road: APC Renaissance Group Thanks President Tinubu

We the Abia APC Renaissance Group wishes to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support and commitment to the infrastructural development of Abia State, particularly for approving the reconstruction of the remaining portion of the Umuahia Ikot Ekpene Road, which covers 25 kilometers, not 27 kilometers as earlier reported by Abia government.

Recall that the project was stalled all these years due to funding and compensation issues but with the removal of fuel subsidy, funds are now available to tackle projects that were considered too large to be handled by state governors in the past.

While we applaud the President for rising above political considerations prioritising the welfare of Abians by constantly approving federal roads for reconstruction by the state government, with the understanding that the Federal Government will reimburse the funds, it is disturbing that the strategy hurts his performance rating and public perception but unarguably reflects a leader guided by conscience rather than political applause.

To political observers and supporters of the President, this approach seem politically strange and even unpopular, as it does little to boost the President’s political capital.

The Umuahia Ikot Ekpene road becomes the seventh federal project undertaken by the Abia State Government on behalf of the Federal Government, yet none has been attributed to President Tinubu.

• However, as commendable as the collaboration is, the Abia APC Renaissance still maintain and we are sure others do, that this style of project execution has not been properly communicated to help the President’s public perception, especially given that he continues to take the heat for the adverse effects of subsidy removal, while governors across the country receive praise for using those funds. It raises questions about whether the President’s aides are even listening to public sentiment. That said, transparency must not be sacrificed.

*Previous federal projects handled by the Abia State Government have been clouded by allegations of overpricing and secrecy, with little or no public acknowledgment of the Federal Government’s role. This time around, we sincerely hope that the Otti led administration will demonstrate accountability by publicly declaring the cost of the 49-kilometer stretch, of which 24-kilometers have already been rehabilitated, leaving only 25-kilometers to be completed.

*The trend of inconsistent figures, such as the 35-kilometers Ohafia Arochukwu road which the Governor announced as 41-kilometers and his Works Commissioner later said was 44- kilometers, must not repeat itself here.

• Similarly, the Port Harcourt Road in Aba, dubiously inflated to N36.5 billion, despite credible evidence that another competent contractor offered a bid of N9 Billion, remains a troubling reference point.

*Another source of concern is the opaque handling of compensation payments to affected property owners around the proposed site for the Abia airport Nsulu. Whereby the government celebrates it has paid off adequate compensation to land owners, the people still protest that nothing has been paid them. The entire process has lacked transparency, denying the public the opportunity to assess fairness and accountability.

*The Omenuko Bridge project also deviated from the Federal Government’s approved design, a dual carriage bridge with a 24 meter width, yet what was built in Abia is far smaller.

*With these precedents in mind, Abians now expect the Governor to come clean and set a new tone of openness in handling this particular federal project.

The Governor should:
1) Withdraw the previously stated 27 kilometers and confirm that the actual length is 25 kilometers.

2) Publicly announce the total project cost and the cost per kilometer at the flag off ceremony on proposed 25th of October.

3) Disclose the compensation framework, including total funds allocated and specific amounts to be paid to displaced families.

4) State the project duration and completion timeline, ensuring that the contract was awarded through a competitive and transparent bidding process to guarantee value for money.

5) The Federal Ministry of Works should also monitor the project closely to ensure that no alterations are made to the approved design or specifications.

*In all, while we commend the Federal Government’s goodwill, Abians are watching closely.

*The era of secrecy is over as the people are now aware, ready to scrutinise and willing to participate in governance by demanding openness, accountability, and sincerity of purpose.

Signed;
ABIA APC RENAISSANCE GROUP