President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the newly reconstructed 6.7-kilometer Port Harcourt Road, Aba, executed by Governor Alex Otti, describing the project as a “miracle” and a true testimony of good governance.
The road, now a dual carriageway with three lanes on each side and equipped with modern drainage systems, had long suffered severe dilapidation before its rehabilitation.
Speaking while commissioning the project, President Tinubu commended Governor Otti for delivering the project ahead of schedule and assured that the Federal Government would continue to support states that show commitment to quality leadership.
The President, represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, recalled that Port Harcourt Road was hitherto dilapidated and impassable, noting that its reconstruction stands as a true dividend of democracy.
“This road is a miracle. I was a young engineer that did Ndiegoro flood control. At that time, this place was impassable. In fact, we attempted to use a canoe one time to cross this place.
“At the time of God, He makes all things beautiful. And in all honesty, devoid of any political coloration, God has remembered Abia State. You cried out to God for good leadership, and today, we have good leadership.
“This is leadership, this is governance. This is God in action. We are very happy,” Umahi said.
The Minister, while stressing that the Tinubu-led government is focused on road projects nationwide, announced that Governor Otti would immediately receive federal approval to take over the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road.
He further assured that the second dual carriageway on the Aba–Port Harcourt axis would also receive federal attention this year.
“I can assure you that the second dual carriageway is going to receive attention this year. We’re going to do that. Let me thank you, Your Excellency.
This is a federal road, but I want to thank the governor. And I want to thank the president. When PDP was asking, ‘give us account of how you spent the subsidy,’ this is number one.
“The president has given the governors the impetus to repair all the bad roads in our states. Some of them are doing very well, especially those in the South East. But in Abia, we can see the difference. Governor Otti is growing the state.
“The president directed me that any governor that wants to do any federal road, I must give approval within 24 hours. And, Governor, I am handing over the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road to you. You have to do it,” Umahi declared.
In his remarks, Governor Otti expressed gratitude that the project, which began in October 2023 with a completion date of December 2025, was delivered in May 2025, seven months early.
“This road was started at the end of October 2023. Delivery date was December 2025. And somehow, some magic happened, and the road was delivered in the middle of May 2025,” Otti said.
“This road is a testimony, and its testimony will not be told now,” Governor Otti said.
Other road projects commissioned by President Tinubu in Aba include Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street and spurs, Abayi Aba, as well as Gabriel Nwosu Street.
