Yesterday, I commissioned the 55-room ORIS Signature Hotel in Okigwe Road, Aba, a significant addition to the city’s growing hospitality and investment landscape.
I commend the Chief Executive Officer, Owelle Greg Okafor, for delivering this impressive project within just two years and a few months. This is a clear demonstration of what is possible when vision, enterprise, and a conducive business environment come together.
When we assumed office, Aba faced significant challenges, including poor road infrastructure, and struggling industries. Today, the story is changing, with businesses returning, property values rising and, new investments taking shape.
I therefore invite investors who previously relocated from Abia, as well as prospective investors, to return and take advantage of the opportunities our administration is creating. What we have achieved so far is only the beginning. With more projects, including the soon-to-be-completed Radisson Blu Enyimba Hotel, Aba will continue to grow as a major economic hub.
I also acknowledge all the distinguished guests, friends and well-wishers who graced the occasion and continue to support the growth and transformation of Aba and Abia State.
To Owelle Greg Okafor and the entire ORIS Signature Hotel team, congratulations on this milestone. Together, we will continue to build an Abia where businesses and investments can thrive and opportunities abound.
Debunking the Phantom Debts and Ecological Loan Fallacy
My attention has been drawn to trending claims by the Anambra State Government that my administration left behind inherited debts, including a ₦2 billion ecological loan, contractor liabilities, and unpaid salaries, gratuities, and pensions. This is completely false.
We systematically liquidated historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to over ₦35 billion. At the point of handover, the state owed nothing in salaries, gratuities, or pensions, nor did we owe anything to any contractor for projects duly executed and certified.
The ₦2 billion ecological fund in question was released barely three months before the end of my tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis. Despite pressure to spend the money, I refused, insisting that it should be left for my successor because government is a continuum and the funds were tied to a specific project.
The money was therefore left 100 per cent intact in First Bank, in Account No. 2018779464, with a balance of over ₦2.13 billion.
It is important to stress that funds tied to specific projects or set aside for particular purposes were not even included in the over ₦75 billion in savings we left behind.
If anybody can establish anything to the contrary, I will stop campaigning. -PO
“Nigerian president must spend his vacation in Nigeria. He should go on vacation in Zamfara, in Borno, in Anambra. As president, I will go to Sokoto and spend Sallah with the Sultan.” — NDC Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi