Otti’s Two-year Strides: Aba And Umuahia, Paradise Regained

By Godwin Adindu

Give it to Governor Alex Otti, the two big metropolises, Aba and Umuahia, have become clean. This is a product of an intentional action. In the last two years, Governor Otti has given Abians an environmentally friendly state.

The Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) has added great value to the vision of the New Abia by being up and doing in the job of refuse disposal and evacuation, and ensuring that our environment remains our heritage.

There are hardly the offensive heaps of festering refuse heaps stinking and oozing with    terrible odour and adding to the calamity of environmental pollution. The central areas are clean so are the inner cities of these two metropolises.

This achievement is so glaring and the people are so excited about it that an elder Statesman, Chief Seth Agomuo could not help but remarked openly to my debut of this series: “ Yes, it has been a wonderful two years. But, you didn’t mention neatness and cleanliness of Abia environment, mostly Aba and its environs. Let the good work continue”

With the success of ASEPA comes the success of the Task Force controlling street trading, road obstruction,  vehicular movement and illegal parking, and enforcement of City and Urban regulations.

They have brought decency at areas that were hitherto centres of commotion like Opopo Junction in Aba, Ishi Gate in Umuahia, Cooperative Junction in Umuahia, Osisioma Junction, Ngwa Road, Aba Central Park and many other places of chaos and disorder. There are hardly traffic gridlocks in Aba and Umuahia. There is hardly overcrowding of vehicles and human beings. There is a general atmosphere of decency and this is worthy of commendation.

From inception, Governor Otti launched a hectic war against touting both at the motor parks and in the markets. He launched a war against illegal groups collecting tolls and taxes. Today, he has won the war and  Abia State is no more a jungle but a place of order, control and decency. This is having a spiral effect on the security, health and welfare of citizens. Life is becoming more meaningful as the city dwellers feel more secured and protected.

As he steps out to show evidence of his stewardship in the two-year giant steps, Governor will proudly point at the war and victory of rescuing the two cities. Wars are won in phases and this is paradise regained!

*Adindu writes from Umuahia