The camp of Hon. Emeka Atuma has hit back at the Abia State Labour Party, insisting that the Umuahia–Ikot Ekpene Road remains a federal project delivered through Federal–State synergy.
CDA News Nigeria reports that the rejoinder responds to a press statement by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Iroegbu Emenike, which it described as “baseless” and “mischievous.”
CDA News Nigeria gathered that the statement argues the road was federally awarded and remains under the Federal Ministry of Works. It cited Governor Alex Otti’s own acknowledgment that the Federal Government awarded the contract about ten years ago.
The statement also noted that Works Minister Engr. Dave Umahi performed the handover and described it as synergy between both governments. It added that Governor Otti publicly thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the State’s intervention.
Central to the rejoinder is a demand for reimbursement. “What the State spends on federal roads must be reimbursed,” it declared, arguing that Abia taxpayers should not carry a federal burden. It said the camp would keep demanding that “every kobo” be refunded.
It further claimed Governor Otti has said any compensation due should be paid by the Federal Government, which awarded the route.
Defending Hon. Atuma’s record, the statement said his legacy “needs no defence from a party spokesman,” and urged Mr. Emenike to stop confusing “a press release with a record.”
CDA News Nigeria could not independently verify the claims. The Abia Labour Party had not responded to the rejoinder at press time.
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