Abia State government have reacted to the recent Press Conference issued by Dr. Alex Otti, describing it as baseless and myopic, while vowing never to join issues with him in the future.

Speaking in a Press Conference with News men in Umuahia, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Abia State, Barrister Onyebuchi Ememanka described  it a most unfortunate, the blatant lies which Mazi Alex Otti churned out against the State government, wondering why someone who does not live in Abia State would tell lies against the many development strides of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s led administration, and advised Mazi Otti to come back home in order to see things for himself.

He explained that contrary to reports from Dr. Alex Otti that nothing is going on in the state, the state is witnessing development from all aspect.

He countered the assertion that Abia State Polytechnic has been shut down by angry NLC leadership, by explaining that students are currently enjoying their lectures.

”I am sure the students and workers of Abia Poly who are currently enjoying their lectures and work have been shocked by yet another fictional tale by Otti in his now infamous series of tales of falsehood by moonlight. A simple visit to the school will confirm to whoever cares for the truth that Alex Otti should not be believed by any self-respecting individual because that institution remains open for academic activities” he said.  

On the issue of Abia Rice, the CPS explained that Abia State indeed has Abia Rice but because farmers formally go to neighboring State to process the Rice, it was not counted for the State. Based on that, Abia State Government decided to establish cottage rice mill plants to help farmers mill their rice in Abia State. Stressing that in August 2019, the Governor procured improved rice seedlings worth hundreds of millions of naira from Cross River State and distributed same to Abia rice farmers free of charge.

The CPS further hinted that at present, there are new rice mills in Acha community, in Isuikwuato L.G.A, Uzuakoli, in Bende L.G.A adding that soon another rice mill will be established in Arochukwu.

On infrastructure, he maintained that the Governor has not solved all the infrastructural challenge in Abia State, but that the government has done numerous roads and will do more as soon as the rainy season subsides.

He stated that the Governor has released clear deadlines to contractors for the completion and hand over of Osisioma Junction to MCC Junction segment of Aba Owerri Road by 14th November 2019, Obikabia-Umuene Road Projects at Isiala Ngwa South L.G.A to be completed by 30th November 2019.

Others according to him include Afor Ibeji Emergency repairs, Osusu Road, Abiriba-Nkporo Road in Ohafia L.G.A as well as First Phase of Aba Road Project to be completed by 30th of November 2019.

Barrister Ememanka hinted that the state government has launched an ”OPERATION ZERO POTHOLES SCHEME” on roads in Aba and Umuahia to ensure that Abians commute smoothly.

He further explained that the state has done well in paying salaries as an when due, pointing out that Parastatals that can’t pay their staff salaries will be looked into.

Continuing, the CPS stated that the government has been able to manage the resources accrued to the state judiciously, adding that the state is never in any pressure occasioned by Dr. Alex Otti’s lies against the state, adding that the Governor is fully determine to remain focus in his services to the State.

The CPS added that Governor Ikpeazu will hand over a State more viable, and economically stronger by 2023.