A Port Harcourt-based businessman, Engr. Kalu Nto, has donated a Toyota Sienna vehicle and N5 million to the Abia State Labour Party Campaign Council in support of Governor Alex Otti’s re-election bid, citing the administration’s infrastructure drive and ongoing development projects across the state.
Nto made the donation on Tuesday, describing it as a gesture of appreciation for what he considers the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of Abia residents.
He particularly cited the reconstruction of the long-neglected Port Harcourt Road in Aba, which was undertaken by construction giant Julius Berger, as a major demonstration of the administration’s efforts to address longstanding infrastructure challenges.
The road project has drawn attention to the state government’s push to rehabilitate critical infrastructure in Aba, a commercial hub whose economic activities have long been affected by poor road conditions.
Nto noted that Julius Berger’s return to Abia after more than two decades was significant, adding that the reconstruction of the road had encouraged him to support the governor’s re-election campaign.
According to him, the administration’s development efforts have attracted the attention of well-meaning Abians at home and in the diaspora, with more individuals and groups expected to demonstrate their support as political campaigns begin.
He argued that continuity in governance would allow the administration to consolidate its ongoing projects, urging those interested in succeeding Otti to wait until the governor completes his two constitutionally permitted terms.
Receiving the donations on behalf of the campaign council, its Director-General, Rt. Hon. Agwu U. Agwu, expressed appreciation to Nto for the gesture.
Agwu said the vehicle and financial contribution would be deployed judiciously to support the council’s activities. He also called on other individuals and groups who identify with the administration’s development agenda to emulate the businessman’s example.
The campaign council’s Director of Publicity, Sir Onyebuchi Ememanka, was present when the donations were received.
Infrastructure projects feature prominently
Beyond the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road, the Otti administration is undertaking several projects aimed at improving educational facilities, staff welfare, road connectivity and public infrastructure.
Among the projects highlighted are two hostel facilities, each designed to accommodate 5,000 students, with separate blocks for male and female students. Both hostels are under construction.
Other projects include an ultra-modern Smart Staff School and a state-of-the-art Faculty of Law Complex, both reportedly nearing completion.
A multipurpose cafeteria is also at an advanced stage of construction, while several internal roads are undergoing rehabilitation. The administration is additionally developing a modern, multipurpose pavilion.
The projects are expected to expand accommodation and educational facilities, improve the working environment for staff and students, and enhance the overall infrastructure of the institutions concerned.
Nto’s donation places the spotlight on the relationship between public infrastructure delivery and citizens’ willingness to support political leaders. His decision, according to the campaign council, reflects his appreciation of the administration’s work, particularly the reconstruction of Port Harcourt Road.
As political activities ahead of the February governorship election gather momentum, the donation marks an early expression of support for Otti’s re-election campaign.
The contribution also provides an example of how individual citizens and businesspeople may choose to express their views on governance through financial and material support for political campaigns.