A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, has warned against the re-flagging of the rehabilitation of the Umuahia/Ikot Ekpene Road, saying it had already been done by the federal government in 2016.
He noted that any attempt by the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to claim credit for the project would be deceitful, as the APC-led federal government has assumed responsibility for the project.
Ogbonnaya’s alarm came on the heels of speculation that Otti was poised to flag off the project for a second time after it was previously done nine years ago.
The former Commissioner in Abia State noted that although he was not against Otti carrying out the project, credit must be given to the federal government.
According to him, “That project was formally flagged off in 2016 after it was attracted by the former member representing Umuahia/Ikwuano Federal Constituency, Hon. Sam Onuigbo. The problem had been funding.”
He noted that, at various times, Hon. Onuigbo, even after leaving the Green Chambers, had been rallying stakeholders to persuade the federal government to adequately fund the project.
“I had expected the governor to join hands to ensure that the project is funded, but if he has decided to take over, it is still okay, but it certainly doesn’t require a second flag-off ceremony,” he insisted.
Ogbonnaya, who is the Evulogu Ibeku, submitted that since the federal government will eventually refund Abia State whatever amount it spent on the rehabilitation of the road, courtesy demanded that the APC should take the credit.
He said it was necessary to put everything in perspective and acknowledge the sustained role played by Hon. Sam Onuigbo towards the realization of the project instead of Otti rushing to claim credit for political gains.
“Let the people know who initiated the project and let them know the involvement of the APC federal government. Certainly, there is no need for a second flag-off of the rehabilitation of the road,” Chief Ogbonnaya declared.
