Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti says it is his wish that Train services return to the Eastern tracks after a long spell.
The Governor stated this at his residence when he met with officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District who were on a business visit to him.
Governor Otti noted that rail transportation used to be the most viable means of transportation in the country but suddenly disappeared in the last 3 decades.
He promised to support the corporation with all that they require to function in the state and requested them to update him with developments regarding the on-going rehabilitation of the rail line.
The Governor pledged to address the request for security and further engage the people on the need to protect and safeguard railway installations in their localities and warned that any person caught engaging in vandalization will be dealt with.
Earlier,the railway district Manager, Mr.Modibbo Mohammed said their visit was to brief the Governor about the on-going rehabilitation of the railway track from Port Harcourt.
He stated that the first phase of the laying of new rail covering 63 km from Port Harcourt to Aba will be completed by the end of this year while the 2nd phase from Aba to Umuahia will be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
He solicited the support of the Governor in tackling the issue of vandalization of the rail tracks stacked in some locations in the state and appealed for a patrol vehicle to assist them in security.
Mr Modibbo said that the railway services when fully operational will create jobs to the youths as well as provide alternative means of transportation and commended the Governor for the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state within his short time in office.
The Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to Governor, Mr Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, Commissioner for Transport, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, Special Adviser to the Governor, Trade Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Due process, Dr Oluebube Chukwu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr Chukwunenye Alajemba among others were present during the meeting.
