Governor Of Abia State, Dr.Alex Otti has stated that the previous administration under Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu spent more money on the Port Harcourt Road project without delivering results than his government did to successfully reconstruct and complete the road.
Speaking during a Thanksgiving event tagged ‘Promise Kept Carnival’ organized by the Aba community at Umuagbai Secondary School along Port Harcourt Road, Governor Otti emphasized the contrast between both administrations in terms of fiscal responsibility and performance.
“In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road project for N9.8 billion, and the entire amount was paid. But the road was not done,” Otti said. “Fast forward to 2025, the project cost N36.5 billion, and suddenly, they began making noise.”
He explained that a closer look at the figures based on prevailing exchange rates exposes the truth. “The average exchange rate in 2017 was N333 to a dollar, meaning that N9.8 billion was equivalent to USD29 million. In 2025, with an exchange rate of N1,600, N36.5 billion is about USD22.8 million.”
The Governor asked a rhetorical question to drive home his point: “USD29 million and USD22 million, which one is higher?” He concluded, “In 2017, USD29 million was spent and no road was done. In 2025, USD22 million was spent, and a standard road is delivered and ready for use.”
Governor Otti said his administration prefers to respond to critics with performance rather than words, stressing that the completed road stands as evidence of responsible governance and commitment to public infrastructure.
