Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed that South-East states and parts of the South-South are in active discussions to develop a regional rail network aimed at boosting connectivity and economic integration across the zone.
Speaking during his monthly media chat in Umuahia on Thursday, Mr Otti disclosed that the proposed network would link Port Harcourt, Aba, Enugu, Imo, and Akwa Ibom, creating a vital transportation corridor for goods and passengers.
The governor explained that Abia had initially engaged a Chinese firm to design a light rail system for major parts of the state. However, upon further review, the government determined that a standalone project would be suboptimal without considering neighbouring states.
“On further consideration, we found that linking parts of the state without taking neighbouring states into account may not be the best approach,” he stated, adding that the state had consequently suspended the standalone project to align it with a broader regional initiative.
He noted that the existing Port Harcourt–Maiduguri railway already passes through Aba, and integrating the proposed network with the federal government’s rail infrastructure would prove more economically viable. This, he said, accounted for the delay in implementing the initial light rail project.
Addressing reports that South-East governors had endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, Mr Otti clarified that while every individual—including governors—was entitled to personal opinions, no one could speak on behalf of others.
“I am not sure I heard that, but if Governor Hope Uzodimma said so, it is his right as a governor and as an individual. He cannot speak for everybody. I think it is still early in the day to discuss that,” he remarked.
Mr Otti, a member of the Labour Party, emphasised that the electorate would ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 general elections through the ballot box. “He [President Tinubu] has the right to seek a second term, just as others who wish to contest have the right to do so. At the end of the day, it is the ballot box that will determine what happens, including in this state,” he added.
The governor also announced that his administration had purchased an additional 20 electric buses, which would soon be deployed to improve public transportation across the state, while plans were underway to construct housing estates in Umuahia and Aba.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing education, security, infrastructure, science, technology, innovation, and arts and culture in the state.