After years of delays, Hon. Sam Onuigbo’s push for the Abia Federal Secretariat project has paid off as Governor Alex Otti fulfilled the state’s obligations, enabling the project’s commencement with Ohuhu visiting for appreciation. Read the full details here.
A remarkable display of gratitude unfolded in Umuahia as community leaders, women, and youths from Ohuhu clan, Umuahia North LGA, gathered at the residence of Hon. Sam Onuigbo to appreciate his tireless efforts in attracting and facilitating the take-off of the Federal Secretariat project at Ekeoba, Ohuhu. The event highlighted Onuigbo’s persistence in pushing for the project and Governor Alex Otti’s role in ensuring the state government met its obligations, a task the previous administration failed to complete.
Speaking at the gathering, High Chief Onyekachi Ogbuja, representing Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, and Chief Ebenezer Okechukwu, representing Eze Charles Ngwuli all from Ohuhu, described Onuigbo’s commitment as legendary. They urged him to continue his advocacy to ensure the project is completed without further setbacks. Community leaders, including Mrs. Chioma Josephine Orisa and Mrs. Nwakanma Anayochi, praised Onuigbo for prioritizing development and called on him to continue safeguarding the rights of the host community.
Youth leader Comrade Chikezie Uchechukwu from Ohuhu emphasized the economic benefits of the project, urging Onuigbo to ensure local youths are given employment opportunities once the construction is completed. Chief Chinedum Obilor, a well-known political analyst, dismissed any political motives behind the gathering, stating that Onuigbo’s service to his people mirrors that of the legendary Dr. Michael Okpara and should be a lesson to other political leaders.
Responding to the overwhelming appreciation, Hon. Sam Onuigbo traced the journey of the project back to October 23, 2019, when, as a member of the House of Representatives Committee on Housing, he raised concerns over the absence of a Federal Secretariat in Abia. According to Onuigbo, the then Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, revealed that a previously allocated land for the project had been encroached upon, leading to its abandonment.
Determined to correct this, Onuigbo immediately engaged the then Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, who provided an alternative site at Ekeoba but failed to secure the necessary title documents or pay compensation to the landowners, leaving the project stalled. Undeterred, Onuigbo continued his lobbying efforts beyond his tenure in office, meeting with Governor Alex Otti on June 20, 2023—less than a month after Otti took office—to push for the project’s realization.
Acknowledging Onuigbo’s efforts, Governor Otti swiftly facilitated the issuance of title documents and completed the compensation payments, finally removing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that had hindered the project. With this, the Federal Government gave the green light, leading to the mobilization of equipment and workers to the site.
Expressing his gratitude, Onuigbo commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the long-overdue project, describing it as a step towards addressing the Southeast’s historical marginalization. He also lauded Governor Alex Otti for his decisive action in ensuring Abia State met its obligations, making the project’s take-off possible. Additionally, he appreciated the role of former Minister Babatunde Fashola in keeping the project on the Federal Government’s priority list.
Onuigbo further extended his gratitude to Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, the people of Ekeoba, and the entire Ohuhu clan for their patriotism in ensuring a peaceful environment for the project. He urged them to protect the site and cooperate with contractors to ensure timely completion.
Reaffirming his commitment to infrastructure development, Onuigbo pledged to continue advocating for key projects, including the completion of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road and the Ubakala–Umunwanwa–Udo–Achingali Road, both of which he attracted during his tenure in the House of Representatives.
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