In recent developments surrounding the construction of the Port Harcourt-Aba Road in Abia State, Infostride News has come forward to challenge reports claiming that Governor Alex Otti detained several youths and elders who were invited for a peace dialogue regarding the ongoing project.
The controversy stems from social media reports highlighting the actions of youth and elders from a specific clan in the state. According to these reports, the group barricaded a construction site in pursuit of a settlement related to the road construction. It was alleged that the governor had invited them for peace talks but instead arrested them, subsequently ordering the construction company to proceed with the project.
Dodoh Okafor, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communication, vehemently refuted these claims on behalf of the Abia State government. In a statement released on Monday, Okafor asserted that Governor Alex Otti did not order the arrest of anyone or any group of people in connection with the events surrounding the commencement of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port Harcourt-Aba Road in Aba.
The statement read, in part: “Our attention has been drawn to a trending social media report wherein the authors, for whatever purpose, alleged that Abia State Gov. had some young men & elders arrested after he allegedly invited them for peace talks in Umuahia. The fact of the matter is that Governor Alex Otti did not at any time order the arrest of anyone or group of people in connection with any remote or immediate event before and after the flag off of the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Port Harcourt-Aba Road in Aba.”
The senior special assistant emphasized the significance of the road project, noting that the collapse and subsequent abandonment of Port Harcourt Road by previous administrations had cost the city significant economic losses. Okafor highlighted Governor Otti’s commitment to restoring the state’s reputation as a hub for economic activities and emphasized the importance of the road project in achieving this goal.
“Governor Otti’s resolves to set Abia on a new, more progressive direction remains unshaken. He does not take the goodwill of the public for granted and would continue to respect the opinions of those who gave him the mandate to lead,” Okafor stated. He urged the public to be cautious of mischievous characters aiming to create divisions for their selfish agenda, emphasizing the unity of the people in pursuing a prosperous future for Abia State.
As the controversy unfolds, Infostride News aims to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage of the situation, shedding light on the differing perspectives and ensuring the public is well-informed about the developments surrounding the Port Harcourt-Aba Road project in Abia State.
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