“No One Will Be Spared” – Gov. Otti Sends Stern Warning to Vandals as Abia Commissions Roads, PHCs

Governor Alex Otti has sent a strong message to Abians while commissioning critical infrastructure in Abia Central. Read what he said and why it matters.

 

Governor Alex Chioma Otti has issued a passionate and stern call to Abians to protect public infrastructure from vandals and saboteurs, stating clearly that his administration will not tolerate the destruction of public assets painstakingly delivered for the benefit of the people.

 

The Governor made this declaration on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, during a high-profile commissioning event held at the Ibeku High School field in Umuahia. The ceremony marked the unveiling of several strategic projects across three Local Government Areas in Abia Central Senatorial Zone—Isialangwa South, Umuahia South, and Umuahia North.

 

Projects commissioned include:

 

Retrofitted Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) at Owerinta (Isialangwa South), Amibo (Umuahia South), and Ekeoba (Umuahia North), executed under the Project Ekwueme initiative.

 

8.3km Isieketa–Obikabia Road in Isialangwa South LGA.

 

1.5km reconstruction of IBB Way in Umuahia North LGA.

 

Governor Otti did not mince words in charging communities to take ownership of these facilities:

 

“Ensure that everything we are putting in place—the infrastructure, the roads, the equipment in our healthcare centres—is protected. There is no better security than the one provided by the people.

If you see anyone attempting to vandalize public property, report them immediately. I assure you, they will be dealt with decisively,” he warned.

 

In an unexpected but decisive move, Governor Otti also announced the immediate commencement of reconstruction on the Ikot-Ekpene Road, a federal route linking the newly upgraded IBB Way.

 

“Although it’s a Federal Road, the Federal Government doesn’t use the road—our people do. We won’t wait for Abuja to fix what affects us directly. We are fixing it,” Otti declared, to a thunderous ovation.

 

More Than Roads and Clinics—It’s About Access and Equity

 

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the ongoing upgrade of over 200 PHCs across Abia, with dozens already retrofitted to world-class standards.

 

Abia State’s Health Commissioner, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, and the Works Commissioner, Engr. Otumchere Oti, praised the Governor for his visionary leadership and commitment to infrastructure development, calling on communities to rise up in defence of these critical assets.

 

Also speaking, Dr. Kingsley Nwaigburu, GM of the Abia State Debt Management Office and Project Ekwueme Coordinator for Abia Central, disclosed that the Governor personally approved the retrofitting of 64 PHCs in the zone alone, stressing that the initiative is not another “audio project” but a visible, people-centered transformation.

 

Traditional Rulers and Communities Celebrate a New Era

 

The Traditional Ruler of Ekeoba Kingdom, Eze Ambassador Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, described the PHC in his community as “a dream come true,” saying it reflects Governor Otti’s resolve to leave a lasting legacy.

 

“No previous administration dared to do this for us. This project has given our people dignity and inclusion. Governor Otti is writing his name in gold,” he said.

 

The commissioning ceremony drew a large crowd, including the Chinese Consul-General, who joined the Governor in cutting the ribbon. The event featured traditional dances, community presentations, and widespread expressions of gratitude from the beneficiaries.

 

Governor Otti’s message was loud and clear: protect what you have, or lose it all.