“I thank Gov Otti for Completing Omenuko Bridge, But He Did not Do What was Bequeathed to Him” – Nkole Makes Fresh Allegation
The former lawmaker who represented Arochukwu/Ohafia in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Uko Nkole, has come out with a fresh allegation, that the Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, did not follow the exact specifications for the re
construction of the Omenuko bridge.
In a stakeholders meeting in Abam, Arochukwu Local Government Area of the State, Nkole alleged that the Governor did not construct what was bequeathed to him by the federal government
According to him, the contract for the bridge received approval on April 14, 2023, two months to the end of his tenure, adding that the design for the bridge originated from him when he served on the House Committee on Works and Appropriation and commended the Governor for the completion.
However, he alleged that the Governor did not adhere to the specifications on the original design, despite the huge allocation for the project.
He said the design specified a three span bridge, with 12.8 meters wide and not less than 48 meters in length, alleging that what was constructed was in disparity with the specifications. “If you take a tape to that road, you will see what I mean”.
“The government reached me through their SSG inquiring where i stopped in the pursuit for the project that they want to take it up. I said fine and good. They wrote, they gave them the design and approval. Both the technical and financial details I have them.
“The Governor has done the bridge, I thank him, but what he did, was not what the federal Govt asked him to do.
“I did Nmuri bridge under my watch, if you pass through Nmuri, you will know there is a standard bridge there”, he remarked.
Nkole further commended the Governor of the State for his efforts so far, but restated that he didn’t do what was bequeathed to him to do. “This is a project I know how much it cost”, he added.
Recall, that the omenuko bridge was originally constructed over 70 years ago by the British colonial administration. Despite its importance, it had suffered decades of neglect and structural decay, making it a major safety hazard.
The Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, took steps to reconstruct the bridge, after the former lawmaker for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon Uko Nkole, got approval for its reconstruction.
The reconstruction of the project was flagged off on February 4, 2025, and was handled by Geld Construction Company Ltd.
The new bridge having been completed would improve safety and reduce accidents, enhance economic activities and boost local businesses, increase access to essential services like healthcare and education and as well, benefit over 23 communities in Abam, Arochukwu, Ohafia, and surrounding areas, promoting growth in the region
