By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has commended the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, for approving the sum of N12 billion for the construction of the second section of the Ohafia-Arochukwu road in Abia State.
The senator, who made the commendation on Thursday, said that the road, when completed, would boost the nation’s economy.
Recall that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had on Wednesday approved N12 billion for the construction of the road project.
Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial zone in the National Assembly, in a statement Thursday, described the approval as a great favour to the people of Abia North.
He said that the approval of the road fulfilled his dream as a representative of the people, adding that it would breathe life into the economy and livelihood of Ohafia and Arochukwu.
Besides, Kalu commended the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola; President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan; Speaker House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Acting Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Works, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Works, Senator Adamu Aliero, for their efforts in getting the funds approved.
He also appreciated the Managing Director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Uche Orji; Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Interior, Georgina Ehuriah, for their efforts and for working hand in hand with him to capture the road in the appropriation process.
He further thanked the Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that the stakeholders worked as a team and their teamwork has given them victory.
He also praised the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and member representing Isuikwuato /Umunneochi federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Nkeiru Onyejiocha; Minister of state for Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah; Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Uko Nkole; Member representing Bende Federal Constituency and spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon . Benjamin Kalu for their commitment and assistance in facilitating the road approval.
He said: “I, on behalf of the good people of Abia North Senatorial zone and Abia state, express sincere appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for this great favour to the people of Abia North.
“I am deeply excited because the completion of the road would improve the quality of life of our constituents, by easing the stress they currently face commuting the road especially Arochukwu road. The Chief Whip said that he believed that the road, being strong economic artery of his Senatorial zone, would ameliorate the hardship facing the commuting public when completed.