? Gov Otti promises to restore light to Ohafia

By CHARLES IWUOHA

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, says his government has made offers to buy back the moribund Star Paper Mill, Aba and revive the industry.

Otti announced this on Thursday, 12 June at a grand civic reception organised in his honour by the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) held at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. He noted how the once bubbling industry closed down and was bought over by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

"I grew up here (Aba), I was born here, I knew how important Star Paper Mill was not just to Aba, not just to Abia State, not just to the East of the Niger, but to Nigeria.

"As we speak, we know that Star Paper Mill has been taken over by AMCON. Let me announce that the State Government entered into a discussion with AMCON and as we speak, we have made an offer to AMCON to buy back Star Paper Mill.

"So, one thing you can take to the bank is that under our watch, Star Paper Mill will be back," Gov. Otti assured.

Governor Otti promised to restore electric power to the communities in Ohafia LGA and informed the audience that discussions are on with EEDC for Abia State Government to acquire the Abia North and Umuahia ringed fence of the EEDC.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Otti's chief press secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha and made available to journalists in Umuahia on Friday.

"We are working very hard to ensure that the entire Ohafia local government begins to have power, not just power, but constant power. I heard the Mayor of Ohafia LGA say that he is discussing with EEDC.

"In a few weeks from now, the discussion will not be with EEDC, because we are buying out Abia North and Umuahia ringed-fence from EEDC so that it will be within our control.

"We have made the offer already and we are in discussions. We will soon conclude it and take it over completely, Gov. Otti stated.

The Governor commended the Abiriba people for the reception which he described as overwhelming and thanked them for their presentations, including the presentation of a coaster bus to support him, adding that he has been enjoying a very strong relationship with the Abiriba people.

Speaking also, the Member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Hon. Mandela Obasi affirmed that the Governor is doing well in office, saying that he would not speak against the good works of the Governor just because he is not in the same political party with him.

Hon. Obasi, who said that Abiriba people love Governor Otti and maintained that the crowd that filled the stadium to the brim was an organic one, made up of 99.99% of Abiriba people.

"The Governor is doing very well. This is not a hired crowd. This is the people of Abiriba. Abiriba people have much regards for you (Gov. Otti), Hon. Obasi asserted.

In their speeches, the Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Anya Oko Anya and President General, Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU), Chief Yuccee Otta Uwa, appreciated Governor Alex Otti for his transformational projects across the State.

They noted that the Governor is restoring Aba through strategic actions, adding that he has changed the narrative of governance in Abia State within two years in office and assured him of their sustained support. They equally applauded him for the reconstruction of the Umuahia ? Uzuakoli ? Akara ? Abiriba road and the approval he has granted for the construction of Ndi Okoronta road.

In their goodwill messages, Chief Jackson Agbai Abba (Kukunda Abiriba), Chief Nnamdi Iro Orji (Opotoyom), Chief Nwaka Inem (Enyioha), Chief David Ogba Onuoha (Ugo'Ena Abiriba), Mrs Ukanwa Onuma, and the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ochu Kalu saluted the visionary leadership of Dr Otti, which has positively affected all facets of the economy.

They said that, based on what Otti has done so far, the Abiriba and Abia people would not only vote for him in 2027 but ensure they protect their votes. Chief Leslie Ebueme Ezikpe, who presented the gifts from Abiriba people to the Governor, assured him of their continuous support to him beyond 2027 election and prayed to God to reward Otti's generations for the good the good works of their father who has wiped away the tears of Ndi Abia.

The reception which attracted unprecedented crowd of the people of Abiriba Enachioken, both from home and abroad featured various presentations including cultural displays.

The very few Abiriba people in other political parties including Chief James Agbagha Ochunkwo (Owoblow), Chief Kalu Ume and Chief Kalu Udeagha declared their intention to join Governor Otti's Labour Party.

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