Abia-born cleric, Bishop Silas Eke, has refuted Governor Alex Otti’s claim that the Arochukwu-Ohafia road was built by the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Dr. M. I. Okpara.
The cleric also questioned the governor’s claim that he was constructing 41KM of the road.
It could be recalled that Governor Alex Otti yesterday flagged off the construction of Arochukwu-Ohafia road, creating Dr. Okpara of constructing road. The governor also accused successive public officials of failing to reconstruct the road.
In his reaction to the claim, Bishop Eke in a chat with newsmen on Thursday, kicked against Governor Otti’s claim, saying the governor attempted to vilify others—while making himself a saint.
The cleric credited the construction of the Arochukwu—Ohafia road to two great Aro sons, Dr. Ikokwu, and Mr Achinuvu.
“Governor Otti is becoming too overzealous. Some of us who voted for him in 2023 are beginning to question his leadership, sincerity and integrity. It is very wrong for him talk like no other living politician from Abia State did something for the zone since 1999.
“He knows those who worked for the people. It is wrong to create an inspiration that others did nothing for our people. Former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu worked on that road as governor from Umuahia to Arochukwu. As a senator, he compelled then President Muhammadu Buhari to release money to the contractors handling the project up to Umuchiakuma in Ihechiowa. It is unfortunate that the contractor handling the Ihechiowa to Aro part died with his family fighting over the project. The project was not abandoned like he to everyone. The governor should stop deceiving us. It is time for him to stop.
“Again, Dr Ikokwu, his PA, Mr Achinuvu were instrumental in the road project. It was not done by Dr. M. I. Okpara. Some of us are beginning to doubt the sincerity of Governor Alex Otti. Is the Governor reconstructing the entire Umuahia—Bende—Abam—Ohafia—Arochukwu Road? Are we going to ignore the sections of the road that the federal government has constructed? Or we should expect a release from the governor clarifying that the road project is remaining about 13 kilometres? The governor said it was 41.1KM, while his commissioner said it was 44KM. Who are we believing? It is time for him and his team to stop complicating issues. They are working for us. It is time they stop lying to us.”
