By Godfrey Ofurum, in Aba
The Abia State government has assured that the Ubakala Regional Water Scheme in Umuahia South Local Government Area of the state, which is currently under rehabilitation, will become functional before the end of second quarter of 2023.
Okezie Ikpeazu, the state governor, disclosed this while receiving the traditional rulers and stakeholders of Umuahia South LGA, comprising the three clans of Umuopara, Ubakala and Olokoro, who paid a solidarity visit to him at his Umuobiakwa hometown in Obingwa LGA of the state.
Ikpeazu said his administration would maximize the dry season and complete all projects it started, including the Umuopara and Ubakala ring roads, as well as the Old Umuahia-Ubakala Expressway junction, as an extension of Aba Road project in Umuahia.
He explained that his administration has always found trust, support and competence in the people of Umuahia South and described them as a stabilizing factor not only in the politics of Ikwuano/Umuahia bloc but in the state and urged them to sustain it because their upcoming generations would reap the dividends.
The governor advised the people of Umuahia South to adopt a policy of electoral vigilance and work seriously in their various units and wards where the political strength lies, saying he is convinced of the people’s support in the 2023 general elections that will lead to the victory of all PDP candidates.
Ikpeazu also assured the people of Umuahia South that they would be carried along on all issues and positions in the state. He said that he takes pride in the activities and achievements of Jerry Uzosike, member representing Umuahia South State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, whom he said has built relationships through legislative experience that has given PDP a platform of victory, and extolled the stakeholders for guiding him aright.
He said that the local government has leaders who have shown capacity in leadership, such as Chris Ezem, secretary to the state government, and thanked the stakeholders for their encouraging visit.
Emeka Inyama, chairman, Umuahia South Stakeholders’ Forum, who led the delegation, said that their visit was to reassure the governor of their support, cooperation and loyalty aimed at delivering all PDP candidates in next year’s elections because the Council still stands as an indivisible entity.
Other speakers assured the governor of the people’s commitment to work for the victory of PDP candidates during next year’s elections.
Tony Ukasoanya, pioneer chairman of PDP in Abia State and a political leader from the area, and Eze Godfrey Onwuka, third deputy chairman, State Council of Traditional Rulers, extolled Governor Ikpeazu for giving Igbos a voice through his activities in national political issues.
They appealed for the completion of the Isicourt-Ubakala Road, Umuopara, Ubakala Ring Roads, rehabilitation of Holy Ghost Ahiaukwu Olokoro Road and the Obizi-Amakama Road, pledging their determination to work with the PDP, a party they said has put smiles on their faces.
