By Jennifer Amarachi
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has pledged to stop the gully erosion threat on Ovom Street in Aba, which has split the street in two and formed a lengthy valley that has caused the collapse of numerous structures in the region.
Otti made these remarks during an inspection tour of the erosion site, following a church service at Christ Ascension Church, located at Long John Avenue, Ogbor-Hill, Aba.
He also directed the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Authority to mobilize skilled engineers and contractors in order to find a long-term solution to the threat.
He said, “As things are going, if it is not stopped right away, it will not only damage all the nearby buildings but also the side of the road where we are building people’s road, which we should be finishing any moment now.
“I have instructed the General Manager of Greater Aba Development Agency to meet with me later this evening so that we can start solving the problem in the next few weeks. We will begin immediately by engaging engineers and contractors, as it cannot be done by direct labor. We need folks who know what to do. But I feel that is something we should address before the end of the year”.
The Governor revealed that he had directed GADA to vacate residents living near the site.
“I had urged him to evacuate everyone who lived around here. So, if you look around these houses, there is no one inside. Those who were quite close here have already been evacuated. So, I hope nobody returns to some of these buildings because they are quite unsafe.” Earlier, at the Christ Ascension Church, the governor stated that he had just come to worship and thanked the congregation for their support. He assured the congregation of sustained good administration, as he pledged during the election campaign, which they have already experienced since he took office.
He informed the jubilant assembly that he entered politics to be a blessing to others, just as God had blessed him. He went on to say, “People like us don’t usually come out to contest or show interest in politics because, even if it sounds immodest, I wasn’t looking for anything.” However, after God has benefited you, you must make yourself available to help others. For me, that is the essence of politics.
” The presiding pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Chika Mba, led the congregation in a heartfelt prayer for the governor, his entourage, and the state. He told the jubilant assembly that he got engaged in politics to become a blessing to others, just like God has already blessed.”
With him during the erosion site inspection were the Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, the legislator for the Aba Central state constituency, Hon. Ucheonye, GADA General Manager, Arch. Uche Ukeje, the Mayor of Aba North, Ide John Udeagbala, the Abia State acting Chairman of the Labour Party, Sir Emmanuel Nwaeze Otti, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Dr. Obioma Nwaogbe, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Cooperative Societies, Hon. Ismael Onuoha, and other officials.
