Against the back drop of the proposed Abia airport by the Okezie Ikpeazu adminstration, principal officers of the Abia State Traditional Rulers Council and Chairmen of the Traditional Rulers Council in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State
have asked the Governor to shelve the project to pave way for the completion of various ongoing road projects across the state.
Recall that the present adminstration had disclosed plans of realizing it’s first ever airport that will be of international standard before the expiration of it’s tenure in 2023.
The traditional rulers who made their feelings know, Friday,when they paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ikpeazu at government House Umuahia,
urged Governor Ikpeazu to instead, utilize funds earmarked for the airport project for the completion of various infrastructural road network already embarked upon by his adminstration.
Speaking through their leader and Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Joseph Nwabekee said, “If people cannot move from port Harcourt to Aba it Ikot-Ekpene to Aba and other neighboring states, it means the economy of this state will be affected because it affects commerce.
“The idea of an Airport is a good project but we strongly suggest that you shelve this project for now and utilize resources earmarked for it to complete the road infrastructure network already ongoing.
“We are aware that those roads are Federal roads but please kindly channel resources to build those roads which will boost commercial activities in Aba to increase the internally generated revenue which could be deployed in the development of other parts of the state.
The royal fathers while listing some deplorable portions of the federal roads to include, Enugu – Port Harcourt Highway and Aba – Ikot Ekpene Highway and Uratta road among others, described the roads as death traps and employed governor Ikpeazu to do all within his power to ensure they are fixed.
According to the traditional rulers, fixing of the roads would boost the economy of the State as well as the states IGR.
The royal fathers thanked Governor Ikpeazu “for the various road projects in stages of completion scattered within the landscape of the state which include adding that the governor has done well in all facets of governance”.
Responding, Governor Ikpeazu assured the royal fathers that he would table their request before the State Executive Council for proper review and a decision.
The Governor charged the Traditional Rulers to advise their youths and subjects to refrain from violence in the forthcoming Local Government elections in the State.
He reiterated that the aim for allowing the conduct of Local Government elections is to deepen democracy and create opportunities for more youths to participate in governance.
Describing the Traditional Rulers as strategic partners with the State Government, the governor advised them to be vigilant and avoid any form of uprising in their domains.
