Victor Ezeja
Labour Party’s Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has applauded Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for his efforts so far on infrastructural development of the state.
Obi’s commendation followed the Flag off of 30.1 km Arochukwu-Ndi Okereke-Ozuabam road on Wednesday by Governor Otti. According to Obi, the road had been abandoned for about 40 years.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelWith the years of abandonment, the former Anambra State governor wondered what could have become of the communities in the area concerning their contributions to the economic growth of the State, adding that he could feel the impact of the road project on those communities, as it is in resemblance to the first road project he flagged off as the Governor of Anambra State in 2006.
READ ALSO: Gov Otti Flags Off 30km Arochukwu-Ozuabam Road, Says No Part Of Abia Will Be Left Behind
“No road had earlier existed in these communities, and they were some of the major food-producing areas in the State. What Governor Otti is doing, for me, is what governance should be all about,” Obi stated via his X handle on Thursday.
Using the road construction project as an example, Obi stressed that good governance is about investing in strategic infrastructure that will positively impact the socio-economic development of society and the general well-being of the people.
He emphasised the need for any future government that will come after Otti, to do everything to maintain the roads the governor is building now, regretting that one of the challenges plaguing governance system in Nigeria is the lack of maintenance culture.
“I plead with successive governments that will take over power in the future, after Gov. Otti, to do everything to maintain the roads he is now building. One of the biggest tragedies of our system is the lack of maintenance culture in governance.”
“Strategic infrastructures like these require constant maintenance to be able to serve their purpose. No matter how strong a road is built, it will eventually expire and become weak if not properly maintained.
“Most roads globally are maintained periodically depending on their strength at 5 years, 10 years, and 15 years intervals. It then becomes imperative that this is followed.
“The government is meant to protect and care for the people, and it is imperative that we the political leaders understand this, and put it into practice, even as we all work towards the New Nigeria, a land of infinite possibilities,” Obi stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
