Political economist and academic, Professor Chinedu Nwogu, has weighed in on the controversial Port Harcourt Road project in Aba, Abia State, while urging the All Progressives Congress (APC) to present a credible candidate from Abia North for the 2027 governorship election.
Speaking with reporters, Nwogu dismissed claims that the Port Harcourt Road was abandoned by previous administrations, recalling that it was one of the projects commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo during the tenure of then Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.
“This Port Harcourt Road, alongside other projects, was why Obasanjo called OUK an ‘action governor’. It is wrong to demarket Abia as if we had nothing,” he stated.
He explained that the deterioration of the road was largely due to persistent flooding from Ariaria to Waterside, as well as a court ruling that halted critical drainage work during Kalu’s administration.
“As someone who lived in Aba, I remember landlords and property owners taking Governor Kalu to court over the drainage project. It was Justice Akomas who granted an injunction halting the work because several buildings were marked for demolition,” Nwogu said.
Highlighting Kalu’s achievements, the professor listed numerous projects including commissioners’ quarters, 15 general hospitals, the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), extensive road networks across Ngwa land, Umuahia, Bende and Ohafia, electrification projects, farm estates, and stadiums.
“Orji Uzor Kalu built infrastructure that others failed to maintain. He implemented free healthcare and education, and built the Abia Houses in Abuja. Back then, Abia was a progressive state with reputable commissioners and advisers. It’s sad many of them are silent today,” he lamented.
Turning his attention to the present administration, Nwogu criticised Governor Alex Otti’s handling of the Port Harcourt Road project, questioning the reported ₦30 billion cost.
“I am from Isiala Ngwa South, and honestly, I feel ashamed because I can’t point to any project Otti has initiated or completed in Ngwa land. The fact that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is coming to commission a six-kilometre road is embarrassing,” he said.
Nwogu urged the APC in Abia to unite and field a strong governorship candidate, warning that the resources at the disposal of the current administration had not translated into visible development.
“It’s time for the APC to put its house in order. Although I have no personal ties with Orji Uzor Kalu, I believe he remains the face of the party in Abia. He should leave his comfort zone, rally the party, and deliver both President Tinubu and a new governor in 2027.”
According to him, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu still enjoys strong grassroots support across the state.
“He is the consensus candidate for Abia North, but we want him to go further and help give Abia a new governor in 2027,” Nwogu concluded.
