Reconstruction of Omenuko bridge, campaign tool for political fraudsters put to end 

By: Imo Thomas -Umuahia.

The flagging off of the reconstruction of the iconic Omenuko bridge by Dr. Alex Otti, the Governor of Abia state, which for years has remained a campaign tool for political fraudsters from Abia North Senatorial zone, has come to an end.

The bridge, which is a single lane, has functioned as a major link between Abia Central and Abia North Senatorial zone.

Flagging off the dreaded iconic bridge in his speech titled “The Omenuko bridge, another jinx breaker” at Ozuabam Arochukwu, Governor Alex Otti, traced the significance of the bridge to the ‘Novel Omenuko’, written by Peter Nwanna about 90 years ago.

He said that the bridge which is on the federal road, which has been neglected since after the civil war and has become a death trap for commuters, needs to be reconstructed for the benefit of the people despite being a federal project.

“What we are doing as a government is that anywhere that we see that work needs to be done, we don’t wait for people to ask us, we begin to do the work. You can be sure that your government, which is a very responsible government, will attend to them,” Gov. Otti stated.

Governor Otti explained that his government missed out on the project in 2024 with the thought that the bridge had been awarded by the federal government.

“The first thing that happened was that we missed out on this bridge from the 2024 budget, and the reason is simple. 

“We thought that the bridge had actually been awarded as claimed by some of our brothers, but unfortunately, on further inquiry, we found out that the information was not correct. So, we now started struggling with the adjustment of the budget and virement and we have just been successful with it.

“One clear thing is that before we start any project, we already have plans to fund that project. I am glad to report to you today that the money that is required to complete this road project is sitting somewhere waiting,” Gov. Otti assured.

He directed the Commissioner for Works to adjust the delivery period of the project from one year to 9 months, saying that 

He had some conversations with the contractor handling the project, who assured him that he could deliver within 9 months.

Governor Otti announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Abam Ring road and the establishment of a primary healthcare center in the Abam community as requested by the President General of the Abam Development Union. 

Speaking also, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and majority leader, Hon. Uchenna Okoro and the Rector of Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, Dr. Okoro Kalu Christopher said that they are happy for the bold step taken by Governor Otti to reconstruct Omenuko bridge and described him as a performing Governor 

They regretted that the colonial bridge has remained in bad shape for many decades, while successive politicians from Arochukwu/Ohafia Constituency have always deceived people with their fake campaign promises and saluted Governor Alex Otti for his resolve to break the age-long jinx associated with the bridge.

In his address, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti disclosed that the legendary Omenuko bridge being reconstructed is 45 meters in length and 8 meters wide and would be completed within one year. He said that at completion, it would guarantee a high level of safety for users and strengthen social connectivity 

He said that the bridge, which is on a federal road, links Abia North and Abia Central zones and thanked Governor Alex Otti for embarking on the project that has been a major campaign gimmick to politicians.

Earlier, the President General Ozuabam Development Union, Captain Chibuike Usim said that the bridge is a historic one constructed over 70 years ago and that despite promises of politicians for decades, it remained untouched but has continuously weakened.

He said that many communities depend on the bridge for access to their villages and appreciated Governor Otti for his decision to fix it and described it as a testament to the administration’s commitment to developing rural areas while assuring the Governor of their sustained support.