Abia procures 20 electric buses for city transport

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced that his administration has procured 20 electric buses, which will be rolled out in the next 2 months to provide transport services in Aba and Umuahia.

Governor Otti, disclosed this Wednesday, during a Thanksgiving Carnival tagged “Promise kept”, organised by the Aba business community, to celebrate the Governor’s achievements so far and particularly the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, Aba, abandoned for over 30 years.

He said that bus terminals are being built for the transport system in the state, while the 20 electric buses for transportation would be for the first instance.

Otti, who said that the 20 buses have been paid for, noted that the state’s transport system will become operational in the next 2 months.

“We have paid for the 20 electric buses. So, they are bringing the buses to carry you and me, 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,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti, who recalled his efforts in fixing the Port Harcourt Road, as against the attacks of the noisy opposition, said that he replies the shameless opposition with performances.

He also revealed that the amount of money spent by the immediate past administration in the reconstruction of Port Harcourt road, which was not realized was much more than what his government spent in realising the Road.

“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 the Port Harcourt road. The amount at that time was ₦9.8 billion, and they paid out the entire amount. However, 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 $29 million (equivalent).

“In 2025, at the average exchange rate of ₦1,600, ₦36.5 billion is $22.8 million. 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”, Governor Otti explained.

While appreciating the reception organized for him, Governor Otti thanked the Aba community for their sustained support for him right from 2015 when he contested the Governorship election for the first time and said that Aba has been giving him massive support since then.

Alphonsus Odigbo, chairman, Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders  Association (ASMATA) said that the event was organised to show appreciation to the Governor, and emphasized that though he has done great things in Aba, but Port Harcourt road is top among others.

Odigbo, who is also chairman, Aba Landlords Association, described the event as not just a celebration of restoration, but a vote of confidence on the Governor, adding that with his achievements, he has already completed political campaigns for his re-election.

Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, convener of the carnival, praised the Governor for his giant developmental strides, noting that what Aba is witnessing is evidence of God’s goodness.

Udeajah, said that Port Harcourt road stands tall in the achievements of the Governor and described the event as an emergence of a new day and a new season, affirming that indeed, help is here for Abia people.