Abia State Governor Alex Otti says it is his wish that train services return to the eastern tracks after a long time.
He said this at his residence when he met officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District, who were on a business visit to him.
Dr. Otti noted that rail transportation used to be the most viable means of transportation in the country, but suddenly disappeared in the last three decades.
He promised to support the corporation with all they required to function in the state and requested them to update him with developments regarding the ongoing rehabilitation of the rail line.
Otti promised to address the request for security and further engage the people on the need to protect and safeguard railway installations in their localities.
He said anyone caught engaging in vandalism would be dealt with.
The Railway District Manager, Mr. Modibbo Mohammed, said their visit was to brief the governor on the ongoing rehabilitation of the railway track from Port Harcourt.
He said the first phase of the laying of new rail covering 63 km from Port Harcourt to Aba would be completed by the end of the year, while the 2nd phase from Aba to Umuahia would be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
Read Also: Alex Otti flags off reconstruction of 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba
He solicited the support of the governor in tackling vandalism of the rail tracks stacked in some locations in the state and appealed for a patrol vehicle to assist them in security.
Modibbo said the railway services, when fully operational, would create jobs for youths and provide alternative means of transportation.
He hailed the governor for the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state within his short time in office.
The Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to the governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday; Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Transport, Sunny Onwuma; Special Adviser to the governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, among others, were present during the meeting.