Otti Disappointed as Sanwo-Olu Snubs Abia Road Commissioning, Drawing Criticism Over N100M Event Cost | #NwokeukwuMascot

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…Gov Otti Disappointed as Governor Sanwo-Olu Cancels Abia Visit at the Last Minute | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Aba, Abia State – In a turn of events that has left many in Abia State frustrated, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu cancelled his planned visit to Abia at the last second, opting instead to send a commissioner. The visit was intended for the commissioning of a newly completed 2-kilometer road.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia had reportedly gone to great lengths to prepare for Sanwo-Olu’s visit. Significant resources were allocated for the event, including a combined payment to Channels TV, Arise TV, and TVC to cover the event live. The state government spent an estimated N100 million on preparations and mobilization for the one-hour event.

The sudden change in plans left Governor Oti visibly disappointed, with reports noting his somber demeanor throughout the event held in Aba. The substantial expenditure on the event has sparked criticism, with detractors pointing out that the funds used could have covered three months of overdue salaries for the staff at Arochukwu College of Education, who are owed a total of 26 months' pay.

Despite the meticulous planning, the last-minute alteration and the subsequent scaled-down event have led to public outcry. Critics have expressed their gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for not partaking in what they have termed a “charade” of road commissioning, suggesting that the event was more about political grandstanding than substantial governance.

Mr Eke O Ako an advocate of good governance on his verified Facebook account wrote, “THEY DON SEE US FINISH: I saw this on Twitter, and I have not stopped laughing.

“Banjo - A Yoruba guy wrote that if Governor Alex C. Otti happens to build roads like these, that the governor will throw a full month carnival to celebrate it.

“Special thanks to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for heeding to the voice of reasoning, not to waste public funds to travel all the way from Lagos to commission roads that your councillors are doing in Lagos State.

“It is unthinkable that a Governor will invite the Governor of one of Africa's biggest economy, to travel all the way from Lagos to Abia to commission 2.6km of streets, without closed drainages, walkways, bus stops or any form of modern amenities.

“I wonder what Sanwo-Olu will be thinking about Governor Otti after inviting him to such. Abia must be free in my life time.” He said.

Mr Eric Ikwuagwu also known as Oracle in his write up captioned “GOVERNOR BABAJIDE SANWO-OLU OF LAGOS STATE DOES NOT CELEBRATE MEDIOCRITY” partly reads, Abia State under Mr. Otti has turned to a comedy theatre of sort and a mockery to truth.

“Otti said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu couldn't honour his invite to commission "dwarf" roads of 300M and 600M because he (Sanwo-Olu) missed his flight and stayed at the airport for 4 (four) hours. Chineke mere umu gi ebere na this kind lie bikonu. What an insult on a personality like the Governor of Lagos State.”

Mr Ikeagwu continued by stating a critical comparison between the infrastructure projects of Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, highlighting the perceived disparity in the quality and scope of their respective projects.

“If you were Governor Sanwo-Olu and you are shown the picture below as one of the 3 roads you are coming to commission, will you come?

“See below the type of roads/ other projects the lagos state Govenor is doing and Otti decided to mock him with an invite to commission "apianway"?mbanu, shoe get size please. Sanwo-Olu will move to states with his level of advanced governance beyond celebrating dwarf-dirty-roads.

“Next time look for those Governors on your level....but that will be extremely difficult as most states have moved past this kind of lie and propaganda approach to governance. Keeping it honest.” Ikeagwu concluded.

Governor Otti's administration is now facing scrutiny over the allocation of funds and the prioritization of such events over pressing local issues, such as the prolonged unpaid salaries of educational staff.

As the dust settles from this disappointing episode, questions remain about the fiscal management and governance priorities in Abia State, highlighting the need for more transparent and effective use of public funds.