By Desire Uzochukwu
The Action Peoples Party, APP, governorship candidate in Abia State, Maj.-Gen. Ijioma N. Ijioma (retd.), has unveiled a proposed N600 billion urban redevelopment plan for Aba, Umuahia and Ohafia ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Ijioma announced the plan in Aba while flagging off the campaign of the APP candidate for Aba Central State Constituency, Chief Dick-Orieh Elendu.
Under the proposal, Ijioma said N200 billion would be allocated to each of the three cities through a phased redevelopment and refinancing programme if he is elected governor.
He said the plan for Aba would include the construction of at least four flyover bridges, underground drainage systems, expanded infrastructure and the remodelling of Ariaria International Market.
Ijioma also proposed boating services at Azumini as part of a plan to create a waterway connection towards the open sea.
According to him, the objective is to reposition Aba beyond its traditional commercial identity by providing infrastructure to support manufacturing, trade, transportation and large-scale economic activity.
He said Umuahia and Ohafia would also receive dedicated investment under the proposed programme, arguing that development should be spread across the state rather than concentrated in one area.
Ijioma said his broader 23-point manifesto was built around a vision of transforming Abia into a state where the rule of law, justice and equity would guide governance.
He listed infrastructure, economic development, agriculture, security, education, social welfare and accountability in the management of public resources among the key areas of his proposed administration.
The APP candidate also said he would pursue the release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as part of his priorities if elected, describing the issue as one requiring political and lawful approaches.
Ijioma, who was accompanied by his running mate, Chief Eze Nwoloki, and other APP candidates and officials, said heavy rainfall during the Aba campaign would not stop him from engaging voters across the state.
He urged Abians to scrutinise his proposed development blueprint and determine whether it offers the type of governance and urban transformation they want ahead of the 2027 election.
On local government administration, Ijioma called for greater accountability and transparency, questioning whether development in the council areas reflects the increased revenues accruing to them from the federation account.
He pledged that if elected, his administration would manage public funds judiciously and channel resources towards infrastructure and development across Abia State.
