Umuahia: Abia State Governor Alex Otti has firmly shut the door on reimbursement hopes, declaring that the Federal Government has no intention of refunding states for road projects they have executed on its behalf — and that tolling remains the only avenue for cost recovery.
He explained that the new Federal Government’s policy was that states could toll such roads, “if they want their money back”.
He sympathised with those peddling the reimbursement rumour, saying they were speaking out of ignorance.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fixing all Abia roads, federal or state, saying, “they’re all used by Abia residents.
“We only work on federal roads after formal agreements cede them to us in writing,” he said.
Turning to compensation concerns for the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road rehabilitation, Otti said he expected the Federal Government to pay, since it awarded the project without funding.
He said: “We always pay compensation on any route we are entering. Turning to compensation concerns for the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road rehabilitation, Otti clarified that he expects the Federal Government to pay compensation to affected parties, since it awarded the project without funding.
“So, that’s my understanding. I can’t be too sure.”
The Abia State Government has undertaken to rehabilitate critical federal roads, including the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road, the Owerrinta-Umuikaa dual carriageway, and the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road.
In a related development, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to establishing a state police.
He said the new Homeland Security General Manager is preparing the team for operation.
Additionally, he ruled out any possible defection to another party, saying he would run for re-election on the Labour Party (LP) platform in 2027.
According to him, the Supreme Court decision has settled the party leadership crisis.
Governor Otti urged Nigerians to register for LP membership, describing progress on the newly introduced electric buses as “exciting,” saying 30 more buses were expected by July, bringing the total to 50.