Leaders from Abia State across political divides have used the commissioning of state projects to urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address critical infrastructure and socio-political issues affecting the South East.
The appeal came on Friday, 3rd October 2025, during the commissioning of several completed projects by Governor Alex Otti of the Labour Party.
President Tinubu, who was scheduled to attend in person, was represented by the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi. The commissioned projects included the six-lane 6.7-kilometre Port Harcourt Road in Aba and the remodelled Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Otti called on the Federal Government to prioritise the development of a functional seaport, an efficient rail network connecting key commercial towns, and the exploration of natural gas deposits in the South East.
“Aba has bounced back to greatness following massive infrastructural renewal and renewed federal support,” Otti said in his address titled Rebuilding Destiny. He praised the Federal Government’s ongoing rehabilitation of long-abandoned highways and acknowledged that although Tinubu’s policies have been tough, “they have begun to yield economic benefits for the states.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), supported Otti’s call for regional infrastructure development. He, however, expressed concern over the demolition of properties allegedly owned by South Easterners in Lagos, urging President Tinubu to intervene.
“The president should prevail on the Lagos State Government and others to stop the painful demolitions that have deprived Ndi Igbo of their properties and livelihoods,” Kalu said.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) reiterated his long-standing appeal for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He also commended Governor Otti for what he described as tangible development efforts across the state.
Representing the president, Minister Umahi commissioned the projects, beginning with the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, before moving to Aba to inaugurate the Port Harcourt Road and other rehabilitated roads — including Ohanku, Ndoki, Ajiwe, Umuatako, Chief Nkoro, Gabriel Nwosu, and Pepples Streets.
At the Enyimba International Stadium, traditional rulers conferred on President Tinubu the title of “Udo Kpu Enyi of Abia” (The Rope that Drives the Abia Elephant), in recognition of his support for state development.
Umahi praised Otti’s commitment to quality infrastructure, saying the Federal Government would continue to support states that demonstrate responsible leadership. He noted that the previously deplorable condition of the Port Harcourt Road had been transformed into a model of effective governance.
The Minister also announced that Governor Otti had sought and obtained approval to complete the remaining 35 kilometres of the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene federal road, describing it as part of the renewed partnership between the federal and state governments.
“I have listened to and noted your messages for Mr President, including Governor Otti’s remarks. I urge the people of the South East to unite, as a political solution is being explored towards ending Kanu’s incarceration,” Umahi said.
Meanwhile, the people of Aba expressed overwhelming joy as they celebrated the completion of the Port Harcourt Road, which had been impassable for nearly three decades. Shops were closed, and residents staged dances and merrymaking to mark the event.
Community leader, Comrade Peter Uko, told The Guardian that the project had restored hope to the people. “No amount of commendation is enough for what Governor Otti has done. We demand that Port Harcourt Road be renamed Dr Alex Otti Boulevard in recognition of his transformative effort,” he said.
