A former House of Representatives member for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Sam Onuigbo, has said previous Abia State governments’ attitude hindered the building of a federal secretariat in Umuahia, the capital.
Onuigbo spoke yesterday after visiting the state governor, Alex Otti, at his residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South local government.
He said the governments failed to pay compensation to owners of the lands for the proposed project, thus denying the state such project 33 years after its creation.
The former legislator claimed credit for facilitating the project, rehabilitation of Umuahia-Ikwuano-Ikot Ekpene Road, Apunmiri Ubakala Skills Acquisition Center and Achingala-Umunwawa road from Ubakala in Umuahia South local government.
The member representing the South East on the board of North East Development Commission said part his mission was to express gratitude to Otti for paying the compensation and to pledge his support to him.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) member said he felt that the governor had done exceedingly well within one year in office and deserved commendation, recognition and emulation by the people.
“He deserves the support of the people in moving forward. The evidence is there, I don’t think anybody is playing to the gallery. He has done exceedingly well and he deserves our support.
“You know, I’m of the APC and he’s of the Labour Party. This is not a partisan issue, this is recognition of someone who has done well and who should be encouraged to do much more,” he said.