The Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, on Thursday received into the Labour Party a former Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, Dr Jasper Uche, who was PDP’s 2023 deputy governorship candidate, along with other defectors, during a civic reception organised in his honour by the people of Umunneochi Local Government Area at Peace Secondary School, Amuda Isuochi.
The formal reception of the defectors was the highlight of the event, which also saw the governor list several development projects for the area and assure residents that the long-awaited Mmam Bridge would be constructed.
Otti disclosed that the Mmam Bridge project has already been provided for in the state’s 2026 budget.
Responding to requests presented by community leaders, and recalling that the bridge was one of the major concerns raised during his previous visit to the area, the governor said he had directed relevant government agencies to assess the project, leading to its inclusion in the budget.
“I have noted your comments particularly about the Mmam Bridge. I remember that the last time I was here, the issue came up and I directed our people to assess it.
“I believe that assessment informed its inclusion in the 2026 budget. Since it is already in the budget, you should rest assured that we will deliver it,” the governor said.
Otti also highlighted several ongoing projects in Umunneochi, including the rehabilitation of 19 Primary Healthcare Centres, the construction of a General Hospital and the implementation of the state’s free education policy.
He further disclosed that the local government would benefit from the state’s electric mass transit programme, with some of the newly acquired electric buses scheduled to operate in the area.
“We recently received 20 electric buses, and part of the plan is for some of them to serve Umunneochi,” he added.
The governor also announced the introduction of a transport route linking Umuahia, Okigwe and Abia State University, Uturu, to improve movement within the state.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, Governor Otti said every part of Abia would continue to benefit from government projects without discrimination.
“This administration belongs to every Abian. What we do in Umunneochi is what we do in Isuikwuato, Ohafia, Arochukwu, Isiala Ngwa North and South because every community is important to us,” he said.
He thanked the people of Umunneochi for the reception and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with useful information to sustain peace and security across the area.
Earlier, the Mayor of Umunneochi Local Government Area, Chief Sunny Afurobi, commended the governor for ongoing projects in the council, including the rehabilitation of Primary Healthcare Centres, the construction of the General Hospital and road projects. He appealed for the reconstruction of the Mmam Bridge and the Umunneochi Ring Road.
In separate remarks, former Minister of Education and Health, Prof. Ihechukwu Madubuike; the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Chief Amaobi Ogah; Labour Party’s Abia North senatorial candidate, Chief David Onuoha; and the member representing Umunneochi State Constituency, Hon. Ume Mathias praised Otti’s leadership, saying his administration has restored public confidence, improved security and repositioned the state for sustainable development.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Ngozi Azodo, Mr Uche Okoroafor, who spoke on behalf of Umunneochi stakeholders, and the leader of the Northern community in the area, Alhaji Buba Abdullahi, commended the governor for what they described as transformational leadership and infrastructural development across the state.
