In a bold and unprecedented move, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has completed the reconstruction of the dilapidated Aba–Port Harcourt Expressway, a federal road long abandoned by the central government — and has thrown down the gauntlet to President Bola Tinubu’s administration:
"Let the Federal Government refund us — if they can."
This statement, now echoing across social media and local politics, has earned Otti the nickname "Otti the Magician" among admirers, who praise his decisive leadership and fearless stance in delivering critical infrastructure where the federal government failed.
The Aba–Port Harcourt highway is one of the busiest economic arteries in Nigeria’s South-East and South-South regions, connecting Abia State’s commercial hub with Rivers State’s oil capital. For years, it has been notorious for massive potholes, constant gridlock, and deadly accidents — despite being under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government.
Governor Otti, however, bypassed the long bureaucratic back-and-forth over federal versus state responsibilities and took action.
“My priority is the lives and livelihood of Abians and those doing business in the region,” Otti said during an inspection tour. “We can’t wait forever while the economy suffers. We’ll fix it and if the federal government wants to refund us, that’s their call.”
The announcement has ignited widespread praise from residents, transporters, business owners, and even politicians across party lines. Many have hailed it as a model of “results-over-rhetoric” governance, comparing it to Otti pulling off a magic trick where others only made promises.
“He did what Abuja couldn’t,” said one Aba trader. “Otti is not a magician he’s just a governor who actually governs.”
Social media platforms erupted with the phrase #OttiTheMagician, praising his proactive governance style and challenging other governors to follow suit.
Traditionally, state governments who undertake repairs on federal infrastructure can seek reimbursements from the Federal Government but approval is often delayed or denied due to bureaucratic and political reasons. Otti’s statement seems to acknowledge this reality and dismiss it with confidence.
Governor Otti, elected on a wave of reformist momentum under the Labour Party, has pledged to prioritize infrastructure, economic rejuvenation, and transparency. His direct handling of the federal road signals not just problem-solving, but a challenge to Nigeria’s often paralyzed intergovernmental coordination.
As the newly completed stretch of the Aba–Port Harcourt road opens to traffic, Otti’s message is clear: governance is about delivery, not excuses — and if others won’t act, Abia will.
