Kinsmen of the late Premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Michael Okpara, have lamented that the 200-bed hospital project he initiated remains abandoned at the stage he left it before his death in 1984 at the age of 64.

The kinsmen also raised concerns over the long-delayed rehabilitation of the Greater Ohuhu Water Scheme, drawing the attention of Alex Otti, whom they described as positively disposed to addressing issues linked to the legacy of the late premier.

Okpara, who was born on December 25, 1920, served as Premier of the Eastern Region from 1959 to 1966, a region that then comprised present-day Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Cross River and Rivers states.

The concerns were raised at a meeting of Okpara’s kinsmen, admirers, politicians across party lines, community leaders, traditional rulers, and past and serving elected and appointed officials. The meeting was coordinated by Chief Justin Nwosu and convened by the late premier’s son, Uzodinma Okpara, at his residence.

Notable attendees included the Mayor of Umuahia North Council, Smart Iheoma; former council chairman, Kelechi Ezechukwu; member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Obi Aguocha; Abia State House of Assembly member for Umuahia North, Anderson Akaniro; former Commissioner for Finance, Dr Aham Uko; traditional ruler of Oriendu, Philip Ajomiwe, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Uzodinma Okpara described Governor Otti of the Labour Party as being at the forefront of initiatives aimed at rebuilding Abia State’s infrastructure.

He said Otti’s commitment to development was evident, adding that under his leadership, “Abia is witnessing a renaissance that is revitalising communities and improving the quality of life of citizens.”

Chief Okpara, a former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and ex-member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the governor’s policies have translated into visible improvements, noting that families are enjoying better living conditions, children are learning in improved environments, and businesses are thriving due to enhanced infrastructure.

He urged Abians to support the governor’s efforts rather than politicise the gains, stressing that Governor Otti “has laid and is still laying the foundation for a prosperous Abia.”

The meeting called on residents of the state to rally behind the governor, expressing the view that if Otti continues on his current path, Abia State would reach its desired destination.

However, the gathering frowned at reported moves by former governors and senators—Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu—to oppose Otti’s second-term bid. While acknowledging that opposition and criticism are legitimate in governance, participants said such actions should be constructive, predicting that efforts to block Otti’s re-election in 2027 may prove futile.

Hon. Obi Aguocha, while commending the governor for achievements across the state, particularly in human capital development, praised Chief Okpara for mobilising support for the administration.

“It takes a leader with the fear of God to do what Governor Otti is doing. I commend Chief Okpara for working with him to move Abia forward. Governor Otti came with a clear vision to rebuild the state and has followed in the footsteps of the late Premier Michael Okpara,” Aguocha said.

Highlighting the importance of the abandoned hospital and water projects, traditional ruler Dr Philip Ajomiwe described both as critical to the needs of the Ohuhu communities, urging the state government to take them over.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Umuahia North Council, Smart Iheoma, dismissed claims that local governments in the state lack autonomy, saying he enjoys a cordial working relationship with the state government and runs the council in line with the law.

“I have no issues with the state government in the administration of Umuahia North Council. I came prepared for the task and I am running it accordingly,” he said.