Governor Alex Otti Pledges To Unveil 20 Electric Buses In Two Months

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced the procurement of 20 electric buses set to be launched within the next two months, marking a major leap in the state’s transport modernization efforts.

The Governor made this announcement during a colorful thanksgiving carnival tagged “Promise Kept Carnival”, organized by the Aba community to celebrate the completion of the long-abandoned Port Harcourt Road.
The event took place at Umuagbai Secondary School, Port Harcourt Road, Aba.

Dr. Otti revealed that the buses, which have already been fully paid for, are part of a broader initiative to revolutionize the transport sector in Abia State, with modern bus terminals currently under construction.

“In the next two months, our transport system will take off. We have paid for 20 electric buses. They are on their way and will be used to transport our people comfortably. These are world-class, electric-powered buses—no petrol, diesel, or gasoline,” the Governor said.

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

Addressing the jubilant crowd, Governor Otti also revisited the controversy surrounding the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road. He compared his administration’s cost-effective delivery of the project to the failed attempt by the past administration.
“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 this Port Harcourt Road. The amount at that time was N9.8 Billion. And they paid out the entire money. But the Road was not done.

‘So, when in 2025, the Road cost N36.5 Billion, they started making noise. So, I said, since you people understand mathematics, the average exchange rate in 2017 was N333 to a Dollar. Now, if you apply that, the N9.8 Billion was actually USD29 Million (equivalent)

“In 2025, at the average exchange rate of N1,600, N36.5 Billion is actually USD22.8 Million equivalent. So, let us do the maths.

“USD29 Million and USD22 Million, which one is higher? But, the real issue is that in 2017, USD29 Million was spent, and no Road was done. In 2025, USD22 Million was spent and a standard Road is done and delivered for use” Gov. Otti explained.

“In 2025, we reconstructed the road at N36.5 billion, and it’s delivered. When you convert both to USD at the respective exchange rates, theirs cost USD29 million and ours USD22.8 million—yet only one resulted in a completed road,” he explained.

He emphasized that while the opposition chooses to attack, his government prefers to respond with performance, showcasing transparency and accountability in governance.

During the event, the Governor also rewarded a tricycle operator in Aba with N1.4 million for returning N2.4 million forgotten by a passenger, lauding him as an example of the honesty and integrity Abians are known for.

In goodwill messages, Senator Darlington Nwokocha and Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended Governor Otti’s transformational leadership, describing his achievements as a hallmark of focused governance.

Leaders of the Aba business community and the Aba Landlords’ Association—including Chief David Ogba Onuoha, Chief Leo Nnodi Okoye, Chief Alphonsus Odigbo, and Ide John Udeagba—praised the Governor for his commitment to infrastructural development. They described the event as both a celebration and a vote of confidence in Governor Otti’s leadership, noting that his performance has already secured his political future.

Carnival convener, Chief Onyeka Ernest Udeajah, hailed the Governor’s works as divine intervention, especially the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, which he said signifies a new dawn for Abia State.

Similarly, Mr. Chukwuma Azodo, State Chairman of the Cooperative Motor Union, described the road project as legendary and testified to the improved road network and driving experience under Governor Otti’s leadership.

The carnival featured performances by top Aba-born musicians and was attended by dignitaries from across the state.