ABIA: State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti Celebrated at “Promise Kept Carnival” in Aba, Rewards Honest Tricycle Operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie with ₦1.4 Million, Announces Arrival of 20 Electric Buses
It was a moment of joy, gratitude, and inspiration as residents of Aba gathered in grand style at Umuagbai Secondary School premises along Port Harcourt Road to honour the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, at a thanksgiving event aptly themed “Promise Kept Carnival.” The carnival was organized in appreciation of the Governor’s unprecedented reconstruction of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road, a critical infrastructure that had been neglected for over three decades.
During the vibrant celebration, Governor Otti made headlines by rewarding an Aba tricycle operator, Mr. Emmanuel Ejezie, with ₦1.4 million for an extraordinary act of honesty.
Mr. Ejezie had earlier returned a misplaced sum of ₦2.04 million, earning the admiration of the Governor, who described the gesture as reflective of “what Abians are known for.”
As the crowd erupted in applause, Governor Otti took the opportunity to address the people, announcing a landmark development in the state’s transportation sector. He revealed that his administration has procured 20 brand-new electric buses that will be launched within two months as part of the state’s new public transport system.
“In the next two months, not more than two months, our transport system will start working. So, if you go around, you will see the bus terminals we are building.
“We have paid for the 20 electric buses.
“So, they are bringing the buses to carry you and I, and the buses will be beautiful.
“You know the kind of buses you see abroad. That is the kind of buses you will see in Abia. The only difference is that these buses will not use petrol. It will not use diesel. It will not use gasoline. They will be electric buses,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, while recalling the challenges and criticisms faced during the road reconstruction, lambasted the opposition for their baseless noise and noted that his government prefers to respond through impactful performance.
“But, we have always ignored them. And we have continued to ignore them. We respond with performance. But, there is a response I want to give.
“So, listen to the response. In 2017, they awarded this Port Harcourt Road. The amount at that time was ₦9.8 Billion. And they paid out the entire money. But the Road was not done.
“So, when in 2025, the Road cost ₦36.5 Billion, they started making noise. So, I said, since you people understand mathematics, the average exchange rate in 2017 was ₦333 to a Dollar.
“Now, if you apply that, the ₦9.8 Billion was actually $29 Million (equivalent)
In 2025, at the average exchange rate of ₦1,600, ₦36.5 Billion is actually $22.8 Million equivalent.
“So, let us do the maths. $29 Million and $22 Million, which one is higher? But, the real issue is that in 2017, $29 Million was spent, and no Road was done.
“In 2025, $22 Million was spent and a standard Road is done and delivered for use,” Gov. Otti explained.
The carnival also served as a platform for notable figures to express their admiration for the Governor’s achievements.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, praised Governor Otti for his transformative projects across Aba and Abia State, citing them as proof of “focused leadership.”
On behalf of the Aba business community and the Aba Landlords Association, Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and the Chairman of the occasion, Ide John Udeagbala, all expressed deep appreciation for the Governor’s work. They described Port Harcourt Road as the crown jewel of Otti’s achievements and remarked that the event was not only a celebration of restoration but also a “vote of confidence” and a de facto launch of Governor Otti’s re-election campaign.
Earlier in the event, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, the convener of the carnival, commended Governor Otti for his developmental strides and declared the rebirth of Aba as a “new season” for Abia State.
“What Aba is witnessing is evidence of God’s goodness. Port Harcourt Road stands tall in the achievements of the Governor,” Udeajah stated.
He described the carnival as the emergence of “a new day and a new season,” affirming that “indeed, help is here for Abia people.”
The colorful carnival featured thrilling music displays from talented Aba-born artistes including the famous Aba born Ruffcoin Nwa-Aba, Xile Nwa-Aba, Onye Army and also comedy display by the good governance content creator ‘4fun Mamamia’. The event was attended by top dignitaries, Elected government officials, political appointees, Aba business moguls and industrialists, citizens and residence who united in a joyous celebration of transformational leadership and renewed hope for the people of Aba and Abia State in general.