The traditional ruler of Ekeoba Ancient kingdom, Ohuhu, Umuahia, Abia state, HRM Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, has thanked Governor Alex Otti for the reconstruction of 70 years dilapidated Omenuko bridge.
According to the Monarch the bridge had killed 17 students who went for exam, including Evangelist Uma Ukpai’s two children, a husband, wife including their driver among others.
The old omenuko bridge
Oba Nwokenna who made this known during a Phone in program tagged “The Truth”, on the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia (BCA) and powered by Abia state Policy Innovation Centre through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Interventions. Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru.
Rev Fr. Anokwuru
The royal father noted that governance is all about providing dividend of democracy to the people, stating that good governance has eluded the people for years. He regretted that the Omenuko bridge, a short bridge leading from Abam to Arochukwu Local Government Council, would be allowed to decay for years and nothing was done despite lives lost including the life of Mr Maxwell Udoma, his wife, Victory and their driver.
He hinted that, almost 50 years ago when he went to Arochukwu to marry his wife, the bridge was in a bad condition until the Governor swung into action and delivered the road.
In addition, the Oba said they were so scared going through the bridge in those days, stressing that successive governments came and equally abandoned the bridge until the emergence of the present administration.
He noted that anyone who witnessed the massive crowd that turned out to welcome the Governor during the recent bridge commissioning would understand the level of public support.
Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna
Eze Nwokonna highlighted several key road projects across the state, including the Umuahia–Uzuakoli Road, the Abam–Arochukwu Road, and major roads in Aba such as Port Harcourt Road, stating that they have been rehabilitated by reputable Grade A contractors.
He lamented that Abians and even non-indigenes previously endured severe hardship due to impassable roads, recalling that travelers heading to Arochukwu once had to pass through Akwa Ibom State, making the journey unnecessarily long and stressful. According to him, the narrative has since changed, as potholes have virtually disappeared from many streets across Abia.
Eze Nwokonna added that the best way for residents to appreciate the Governor’s efforts is to support him in the 2027 election to enable him complete ongoing projects.
Also speaking, Human Rights Activist and Public Affairs Analyst, Comrade Paul Njoku, said the Governor’s achievements become more evident when ordinary citizens share their experiences. He recounted how a mechanic recently told him he had resorted to riding a tricycle because fewer vehicles now require repairs due to improved road conditions across the state.
Although the mechanic admitted that the development had affected his income, Njoku said he acknowledged that it ultimately benefits the larger population.
Njoku, who described himself as a critic that evaluates before criticizing, said having grown up in Abia, he understands the difference between the state’s past and present conditions and described the Governor’s road projects as landmark interventions capable of lasting for many years.
The Imo-born analyst maintained that a walk through the streets of Abia would reveal widespread satisfaction among residents regarding the governor’s performance.
