Elder statesman and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has expressed his appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the construction of an international airport in Abia State.
Speaking after the groundbreaking ceremony at Nsulu, performed by the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who represented President Tinubu, Chief Ogbonnaya commended the administration for prioritizing Abia in its federal projects.
He also lauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his relentless efforts in attracting federal attention to the state. “This is a government that has remembered Abia State. Through our son, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the president has done so much for us. The least we can do is to acknowledge him,” the former two-time Commissioner stated.
Chief Ogbonnaya urged Abia residents to be appreciative of the federal government, noting that since 2023, the administration has consistently brought developmental projects to the state.
He criticized those attributing federal government initiatives to other administrations, calling such actions politically motivated and unfair. “It would be ungodly for anyone to politicize this. We must give credit where it is due,” he added.
Highlighting other federal initiatives in the state, Chief Ogbonnaya pointed out that the federal government has provided several palliatives for Abia residents, even though many at the grassroots might not be fully aware of them.
“Tinubu has been doing a lot for Abia, but some people want to suppress that information. That is not fair, and it must stop,” he emphasized.
The elder statesman also commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for partnering with the federal government on the airport project. He described the collaboration as a positive step toward the development of the state.
Ogbonnaya praised Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his dedication to promoting President Tinubu’s policies and achievements in Abia. He noted that it was Kalu’s efforts that ensured citizens were informed that the airport project is a federal government initiative.
The former commissioner further acknowledged Kalu’s role in securing quality appointments for Abia sons and daughters under the Tinubu administration.
Turning to the issue of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s continued incarceration, Chief Ogbonnaya called for patience, assuring that Igbo leaders were engaging with the federal government to secure his release.
“Efforts are ongoing, and I believe it won’t be long before good news comes regarding Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom,” he said.
Chief Ogbonnaya urged Ndigbo to remain united and hopeful as the dialogue with the federal government progresses.