Memory Lane for politicians

Governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Alex Otti, said he has attracted International Finance Corporation’s (IFC)’s grant of $100 billion for an industrial park in Aba.

Otti, who stated this on Monday while presenting his manifesto at a political event organised by the Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture in Aba, explained that the money would be accessed as soon as he becomes governor of the state.

He informed his audience that the grant from IFC was structured in such a way that it would not suffer depreciation as a result of the fluctuations in the exchange rate.

Otti who equally addressed members of the Aba Sports Club afterwards also said the commercial town would soon begin to enjoy uninterrupted power supply with the completion of the Geometric Power Plant in Osisioma, near Aba, which is awaiting inauguration by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He recalled how in 2009 he, as the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank, intervened when the construction of the plant suffered a setback due to the lack of funds and expressed delight that the project had been completed as efforts were being made to sort out outstanding issues delaying its inauguration.

He promised to tackle the infrastructure deficit in Aba, especially the deplorable road condition, blocked drainages and environmental challenges.

The APGA flag bearer said a special ministry would be created to re-design and rebuild Aba, adding that he had the international connection and integrity to access grants and investment from multinational organisations for the overall development of the state.

“There are multinational organisations with grants and aids tied to developmental needs, such as water, electricity, rural development and agriculture. But such monies will only go to people who have a track record of credibility and transparency,” he said