He noted that the project was executed in line with his proposed restructuring and devolution agenda, to allow state governments to execute projects that would impact their people without having to wait for the Federal Government.
Abubakar said that however some state governments had taken that direction, other governors should emulate Governor Okowa.
He said that despite the Exclusive Federal Lists, they have an impact on the people, while urging them to vote and support the PPD in the elections.
“Let me thank Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for the invitation to inaugurate the Koka flyover and interchange.
“Allow me, before inaugurating the project, to talk about devolution of powers and resources to state governments.
“If you look in the books, you can find out that this is a federal road.
“Now the Delta Government has taken over this highway and built this overpass because it is the closest to the people in the state.
“We borrow our presidential system from the United States (USA); In the US, the only federal highways you’ll find are Interstates; that is, paths connecting states.
“All other internal roads, bridges and highways are the responsibility of state governments.”
Abubakar, who blamed the military for giving birth to the kind of democracy practiced in Nigeria, said that as president he would ensure restructuring and devolution of powers to the states.
“Well, it’s understandable because it’s the military that gave birth to our brand of democracy.
“You already know how the military accumulates power in the center, to the detriment of the federative units.
“I believe that by the time we adopt a fundamental amendment to our constitution and restore state and local government autonomy over resources, we will have removed these huge bottlenecks.
“It impedes our growth both structurally and otherwise.
” So let me congratulate the Governor and the government of Delta for taking the initiative to start implementing the restructuring even before it is constitutionally allowed.”
Abubakar said the flyover was a breakthrough, adding that it was a great honor for him to inaugurate the project which would greatly impact the people of the state and Nigerians in general.
Governor Okowa and the party’s vice-presidential candidate, said the construction of the flyover was necessary to ensure the completion of the 161-kilometre Ughelli-Asaba dual carriageway being built by the state government.
According to him, the Ughelli-Asaba project started with the administration of former Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.
He expressed his hope that with the flyover and interchange completed, the huge traffic jams at Koka Junction would have been cleared.
The governor thanked the Federal Government for approving the project to be built, the construction company and the State Department of Works for the timely execution.
“This is a main road, and I want to thank the Federal Ministry of Public Works for giving us permission to build this link and flyover,” Okowa said.
The Managing Director, CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr David Wangthe project’s contractor, praised the state government for the opportunity, adding that the work met specifications and was completed on schedule.
Too, Mr. Daniel OmodónState Commissioner of Works (Highways), said the flyover and interchange arose out of a need to decongest and alleviate traffic jams at Koka Junction, Asaba.
DPP presidential candidate Abubakar, who had previously visited Asaba’s traditional ruler, Asaba Asagba Obi Chike Edozien, was also appointed to inaugurate four other projects run by the Okowa-led government.
Projects included Model Technical College, Asaba; Mariam Babangida Leisure Park; Delta State Movie Town; Maternal and Child Specialty Hospital, Owa-Alero.
