Senator Orji Kalu’s Media Office has responded to Governor Alex Otti’s speech on the Arochukwu-Ohafia Road reconstruction, correcting perceived inaccuracies and emphasizing Kalu’s critical contributions to the project.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the representative of Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has expressed strong concerns over statements made by Governor Alex Otti during the flag-off of the Arochukwu-Ohafia Highway reconstruction on August 28, 2024, at Ebem Ohafia.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Kalu’s Media Office and signed by George Maduka, the Senator questioned several aspects of Governor Otti’s speech, particularly the attribution of the road’s construction. Kalu’s team pointed out that Governor Otti credited the initial construction of the road to the administration of Dr. Michael Okpara, while overlooking the significant contributions of Dr. Ikokwu of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and his Personal Assistant, Mr. Ocha Achinuvu, who were instrumental in the road’s development during their tenure at the PTF.
The statement further highlighted that during Senator Orji Kalu’s tenure as the Governor of Abia State, the Arochukwu-Ohafia Road was resurfaced from Umuahia to Arochukwu, contrary to Governor Otti’s assertion that the road had been neglected by public servants since the era of Dr. M.I. Okpara. This misrepresentation, according to Kalu, is troubling and needs correction.
Senator Kalu also emphasized his critical role as the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate in securing funds for the road’s reconstruction. He noted that his persistent efforts, along with those of other public servants from the Abia North Senatorial District, convinced then-President Muhammadu Buhari to release funds for the project.
The statement also called on Governor Otti and his team to accurately acknowledge that the Arochukwu-Ohafia Road was constructed up to Umuchiakuma in Arochukwu LGA, leaving only about 14.5 kilometers unfinished. Kalu’s Media Office stressed the importance of setting the record straight to avoid discrepancies when the time comes for the Federal Government and the Nigerian Senate to reconcile figures for any potential refunds related to the project.
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