₦airaland Forum

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Demian Igbokwe, has called for renewed grassroots mobilisation in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC candidates ahead of the next general elections.

Speaking during a familiarisation meeting convened at his country home, The Stone House, Ugwuele Road, Uturu, with APC executives from the four political wards in Uturu, Hon. Igbokwe emphasized the need for sustained unity and strategic engagement at the community level to ensure electoral success for the ruling party.

The meeting, which brought together key party stakeholders, focused on strengthening the party’s grassroots structure and reconnecting with the electorate.

Hon. Igbokwe urged ward executives to intensify mobilisation efforts across Uturu, emphasizing that the community must align with the APC to attract increased federal presence and development initiatives. He called for strong support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the return of Nkeiruka Onyejeocha to the National Assembly, and appealed to Benjamin Kalu to declare his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election. He noted that such alignment would position Abia State to fully connect with the centre and maximize the benefits of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, past political decisions have contributed to a slowdown in development within the area, noting that Uturu has experienced limited infrastructure growth in recent years.

He recalled that the first asphalted road project in Uturu, aside from the Okigwe–Afikpo highway, was facilitated by an APC representative during the 9th National Assembly, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the immediate past Minister for Labour and Employment, underscoring what he described as the party’s track record in delivering democratic dividends.

Igbokwe argued that sustained support for the APC at both national and legislative levels would enable the community to benefit from ongoing federal government programmes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He further maintained that the President’s development agenda presents opportunities for communities willing to engage actively with the ruling party, particularly in areas of infrastructure, economic growth, and social investment, to achieve rapid development.

Party executives at the meeting reportedly expressed commitment to the mobilisation drive, pledging to engage residents and expand the party’s support base within the Uturu community.

The engagement is part of broader efforts by APC stakeholders to consolidate grassroots support and strengthen political structures ahead of upcoming electoral contests.

Commending the initiative and commitment to hosting the party, the Uturu APC executives disclosed that “this is the first time a leader has hosted the four Uturu ward executive members,” while pledging their total support and confidence in the APC and in the leadership of Hon. Demian Igbokwe as their leader in Uturu.

The story of Dr. Justice Ujoumunna is not merely one of personal success, but of sustained commitment to the ideals that bind communities together: generosity, compassion, and integrity.

Philanthropy, in its truest form, is not defined by the size of donations but by the depth of intention behind them. Dr. Justice Ujoumunna through his Ikemba Osokwa Foundation has consistently demonstrated that giving is most powerful when it is personal, deliberate, and transformative. Whether through educational support, community development initiatives, or quiet acts of kindness that never make headlines, his approach has always centered on lifting others in ways that preserve dignity and inspire self-reliance. His legacy challenges the increasingly transactional nature of modern charity, reminding us that true philanthropy is rooted in human connection.

Yet, it is perhaps empathy that most distinctly defines his influence. In a society where leadership can often feel distant or disconnected, Ikemba Osokwa’s ability to listen, genuinely and solve community and individual problems without pretense has fostered trust across diverse groups. Empathy, in his case, is not a passive trait but an active force. It informs decisions, shapes interventions, and builds bridges where divisions might otherwise persist. This quality has made him not just a benefactor, but a unifying presence whose impact resonates far beyond material contributions.

Trust, the third pillar of his legacy, is arguably the most difficult to build and the easiest to lose. And yet, Ikemba Osokwa has cultivated it with remarkable consistency. Trust is earned through transparency, reliability, and a steadfast adherence to one’s values even when doing so is inconvenient. Communities that have interacted with him do not merely respect him; they believe in him. That belief is a powerful currency, enabling collective progress and fostering a shared sense of purpose.

At a time when cynicism toward philantropy is widespread, the example set by the Ikemba Osokwa Foundation is both refreshing and instructive. Dr. Ujoumunna's life underscores a simple but often overlooked truth: legacies are not built through grand gestures alone, but through sustained, principled action over time.

As we reflect on his contributions, the question is not just how we celebrate such a legacy, but how we replicate it. What would our communities look like if more individuals across all walks of life embraced philanthropy not as obligation, but as opportunity? If empathy guided not only personal interactions but institutional decisions? If trust became the standard rather than the exception?

Dr Ujoumunna’s story does not end with him; it is an invitation. An invitation to lead with heart, to give with purpose, and to build relationships grounded in trust. In accepting that invitation, we ensure that his legacy is not only remembered, but lived.

Kenneth Ufomba

Writes from Osisioma

At critical moments in the life of a people, leadership choices must rise above sentiment and rest firmly on proven capacity, integrity, and measurable impact. For the people of Abia Central Senatorial District, this moment calls for a leader whose record speaks louder than promises, one whose journey reflects service, resilience, and results. That leader is Rep. Sam Onuigbo.


From humble beginnings in Obuohia Ibere where he once trekked long distances in pursuit of education. Sam Onuigbo’s life story is rooted in lived experience. It is this personal understanding of hardship that has shaped his lifelong commitment to service, captured in the enduring philosophy of "Odoziobodo" (One who lives life of service to community). This is not mere rhetoric; it is a principle that has consistently guided his actions.


His early professional years at the United States Consulate in Lagos, spanning nearly two decades, were instrumental in shaping his worldview. There, he gained invaluable experience in public policy, governance, and international cooperation. Yet, even within that global environment, his heart remained with his community. Through advocacy, he facilitated the construction of classroom blocks at his alma mater and played a key role in attracting the now enduring Ambassador’s College, an institution that continues to serve generations.


Onuigbo’s transition into public office was marked by the same dedication to excellence. As Commissioner for Lands & Survey and later Finance in Abia State, he demonstrated administrative competence and fiscal responsibility. His role as Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the Speaker of the House of Representatives further sharpened his legislative acumen.


However, it was during his two terms in the House of Representatives (2015–2023), representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency, that his impact became most visible and far reaching.


His legislative footprint is both bold and historic. Notably, he sponsored a landmark climate-related law that positioned Nigeria prominently on the global sustainability map, an achievement that earned him both national and international recognition. This is not just a legislative milestone; it is a testament to forward-thinking leadership in an era where environmental responsibility is paramount.


Beyond legislation, his record of constituency projects tells a compelling story of development and responsiveness:


1) The rehabilitation and ongoing reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene federal road;

2) Facilitation of the Umuahia–Umudike dualization project with a proposed interchange;

3) Attracting a long-awaited Federal Secretariat to Abia State after decades;

4) Strategic erosion control interventions across multiple communities;

5) Electrification projects that brought relief to underserved areas;

6) Advocacy that contributed to the restoration of academic programs at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.


These are not abstract achievements—they are visible, verifiable, and impactful.


Equally important is his courage in political decision-making. His move from the PDP to the APC in 2020 reflected not opportunism, but foresight and conviction about the direction of progressive politics in Nigeria. Today, that decision aligns him with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu—a national vision that demands experienced and capable legislators to succeed.


Trust is earned, not assumed. Sam Onuigbo has built that trust through consistency, accessibility, and responsiveness—values he encapsulates in his EAR principle. He has remained connected to his constituents, attentive to their needs, and accountable in his stewardship.


As Abia Central looks toward the 2027 elections, the choice should not be experimental. The Senate requires individuals who are not only articulate but effective; not just present, but impactful; not merely ambitious, but prepared.


In Sam Onuigbo, Abia Central finds a candidate who has been tested and proven—one whose experience is not theoretical, but practical and productive. His vision for inclusive representation, grounded in continuous consultation across wards and local governments, signals a new level of engagement and accountability.


The call is clear: this is the time to invest experience in Renewed Hope. Abia Central cannot afford to gamble on uncertainty when it has before it a candidate with a demonstrated record of excellence.


Sam Onuigbo’s journey has always been about service. His next destination—the Senate—is not a personal ambition, but a continuation of that service at a higher level.


For the people of Abia Central, the path forward is one of confidence, credibility, and continuity. And that path leads to Sam Onuigbo.

Kelvin Amadi
Writes From Umuahia

ABIA APC WILL DELIVER OVER 80% OF ABIA VOTES FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU IN 2027; OTTI SHOULD FOCUS ON HIS OWN POLITICAL FUTURE

The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has been drawn to claims by a member of the Labour Party alleging that Governor Alex Otti will work for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027.

While one might be tempted to welcome and even appreciate such a claim especially coming from a party that has consistently undermined President Tinubu and his party the APC, we are not oblivious of the deceptive tendencies and unreliability that have come to define Gov. Otti's brand of politics. As such, we refuse to be misled by what is clearly a calculated and self-serving narrative.

It is on record that Governor Otti and his party openly rejected the outcome of the 2023 presidential election and even refused to display the official portraits of President Tinubu in government offices and establishments. Furthermore, his supporters and close aides have continued to launch coordinated attacks against Mr. President and his policies on social media. Credible intelligence strongly suggests that these actions are being sponsored and encouraged by Governor Otti's government.

Governor Otti’s recent posture only reinforces the perception of deception. Rather than openly and boldly identifying with President Tinubu, he has chosen to deploy proxies to communicate supposed support. While honest Governors like Charles Soludo of Anambra State, has clearly and publicly declared his support for President Tinubu. Governor Otti has consistently denied President Tinubu due recognition for all the federal government projects he executed in Abia State.

This sudden declaration of support is nothing more than a desperate and deceptive tactic aimed at political survival. It is clear that Governor Otti understands the reality on ground, that his chances of re-election are less than 30% even with all the social media sponsored deception, as the APC in Abia State has gained significant momentum and is poised to take over governance at all levels.

We therefore advise President Tinubu to disregard such misleading overtures. The APC in Abia State possesses the structure, grassroots support, and political strength required to deliver no less than 80–90% of the votes for his re-election in 2027.

Governor Otti should focus on securing a viable political platform for his own re-election bid before making hollow promises to a President whose mandate and second-term prospects are firmly rooted in the support of Nigerians.

Such claims are akin to a drowning man offering help to one standing safely on solid ground.

The APC in Abia State remains strong, united, and influential, with vibrant grassroots structures such as the Renewed Hope Partners, Renewed Hope Ambassadors, City Boys Movement, and Relax Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria. These groups have continued to take the message of the Renewed Hope Agenda to the grassroots, where it has been widely embraced by the people of Abia.

Governor Otti is advised to first secure his own political future, as one who lacks direction cannot lead others.

Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
APC, Abia State

Otti, LP, Selective Outrage And Political Hypocrisy In Abia: Who Truly Heats The Polity?


By George Maduka


Amid the shifting political dynamics of Abia State, a troubling pattern has emerged. One defined not by principle, but by selective outrage, convenient morality, and brazen hypocrisy. The recent chorus of criticism directed at Senator Orji Uzor Kalu by the Labour Party (LP), Governor Alex Otti, former Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu, and the ever-controversial David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, is not only disingenuous but profoundly revealing.


At the heart of this orchestrated indignation lies a paradox: those who now posture as custodians of peace were conspicuously silent when the polity was truly under threat. This is the essence of hypokrisis. It is this very hypokrisis that defines the current political conduct of Abia’s Labour Party establishment.

Where were these self-appointed defenders of democracy when political actors sponsored vulnerable elderly women to chant death wishes against Senator Kalu? Where was the moral outrage when youths in Ohafia were incited to threaten violence and openly declare intentions to eliminate anyone associated with him? Silence prevailed. Deafening, calculated silence.


Yet, the moment Senator Kalu, widely known for his measured and peaceful disposition reassured his supporters that they would be defended within the bounds of the law, the same voices suddenly found urgency. This is not patriotism; it is opportunism. It is kairos abused; the manipulation of timing for political advantage.


Where were Governor Otti and his allies when serious allegations emerged linking the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, to the humiliation and flogging of a former governor, Uduma Uguru? Till date, no decisive response has been offered to petitions surrounding that incident. The silence is not incidental; it is instructive.


Where were they when a young man from Ohafia publicly cried out, alleging that his life was under threat from powerful political actors? Today, that young man is dead; shot under circumstances that demand urgent and transparent investigation. Yet, no outrage. No press conferences. No moral lectures about “heating the polity.” Such silence speaks louder than any statement—it is aletheia denied, truth suppressed.


Even more disturbing is the apparent normalisation of incendiary rhetoric when it originates from within their own ranks. When Governor Otti told political opponents to “write their will” ahead of 2027, where was the Labour Party’s sudden love for peace? Where was Ude Oko Chukwu’s call for restraint? Where was the caution against inflammatory language?


One must ask: is peace only threatened when Senator Kalu speaks? Or is peace selectively defined to suit political expediency?


There are growing concerns widely whispered across communities in Ohafia and Arochukwu about the regrouping of non-state actors and the circulation of voice notes threatening violence against those who may vote for opposition parties, particularly the APC. If these claims hold even a fraction of truth, then the silence of those in authority is not just hypocrisy, it is complicity.


This is where the concept of dikaiosyne; justice, fairness, moral order–must guide public discourse. A polity cannot thrive where justice is selective, where outrage is partisan, and where truth is sacrificed on the altar of political convenience.


Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has, over time, demonstrated restraint in the face of sustained provocation. His recent remarks, far from being a call to violence, were a reaffirmation of a fundamental democratic principle: that the will of the people must be protected. To twist this into a narrative of incitement is not only intellectually dishonest but politically dangerous.


What Abia needs at this critical juncture is not manufactured outrage, but honest introspection. The Labour Party, already fractured into factions, must resist the temptation to weaponise propaganda as a substitute for governance. Governor Alex Otti must rise above partisan defensiveness and address legitimate concerns about security, political tolerance, and accountability.



In the final analysis, Abians are not deceived. They understand the difference between genuine concern and calculated distraction. They know that peace is not the absence of political disagreement, but the presence of justice, fairness, and truth.


Anything less is theatre.

And Abia deserves better.

George Maduka writes from Abuja.

PRESS STATEMENT BY HON. DEMIAN IGBOKWE, SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINORITY WHIP OF THE 10TH SENATE OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA

DATE: 16th, March, 2026

FALSE ALLEGATIONS, POLITICAL MISCHIEF AND A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO DESTABILIZE PEACE IN UTURU COMMUNITY

My attention has been drawn to a misleading media report titled “Abia Community Raises Alarm Over Alleged Illegal Mining, Names Damian Igbokwe and Others in Petition.”

The publication, which appears to have been orchestrated by the Traditional Ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community and amplified by Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, is nothing but a desperate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension in Uturu.

Ordinarily, I would ignore such blatant falsehoods. However, the deliberate attempt to drag my name into a matter that has already been investigated and settled by relevant authorities compels me to set the record straight.

A FALSE NARRATIVE BUILT ON MISCHIEF

The allegation that I facilitated or influenced the issuance of a mining license to Limel International Company Nigeria Limited is completely false.

For the avoidance of doubt:

I hold no office within the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development nor within the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, the statutory authority responsible for issuing mining licenses in Nigeria.

The Quarry Lease License referenced in the publication was issued strictly in accordance with federal mining regulations after due processes were followed.

Attempting to drag my name into the matter is therefore a calculated smear campaign designed to intimidate legitimate representatives of the Amanyanwu community, which historically owns the stone land in reference.

HISTORICAL FACTS THEY CANNOT ERASE

The truth remains simple and verifiable.

For more than five decades since 1972, the Nkume Ajaba stone lands in Uturu have been peacefully exploited without conflict.

The Amanyanwu community has always been the recognized ancestral owner of the stone land, exercising its rights through the community’s Town Union leadership.

From time immemorial, the President-General of the Town Union has executed consent agreements on behalf of the land-owning community, long before the Town Union was even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

This practice has never been in dispute until recently when political actors began attempting to maliciously rewrite history for selfish gains.

GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATIONS CONFIRMED THE TRUTH

When the controversy was artificially escalated through petitions sponsored by the Traditional Ruler and promoted by Hon. Amobi Ogah, the matter was investigated by:

• The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office, Abuja

• The Abia State Government

In every instance, the petitioners failed to produce documentary evidence supporting their claims.

In contrast, the Amanyanwu community produced verifiable records and historical documents establishing ownership.

The Abia State Government subsequently constituted a fact-finding committee involving the Ministries of Lands and Justice, the Office of the Deputy Governor and relevant security agencies.

During the field inspection, a traditional verification process was conducted.

In accordance with custom, kola nut was presented to the Amanyanwu community to perform the ritual prayers as the recognized landowners before the inspection began.

Representatives of the villages present were then invited to identify their respective stone lands.

Only the Amanyanwu community could physically identify and stand on the stone sites.

Other communities could not identify any such locations.

This exercise was recorded on video and reviewed by the Abia State Government, leaving no doubt about the ownership of the land.

Based on these findings, the Abia State Government formally ratified the mining agreement between Amanyanwu Community and Limel International Company Nigeria Limited, while warning against actions capable of disturbing public peace.

HOW HON. AMAOBI OGAH CHOSE POLITICS OVER PEACE

Despite the clear findings of government and the existence of documentary evidence, Hon. Amobi Ogah has continued to amplify false narratives and escalate tensions within the community.

Instead of promoting peace and responsible representation, he has:

• Encouraged repeated petitions that have already been dismissed.

• Supported attempts to alter long-established community ownership order.

• Repeated false claims on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Such conduct from a Federal Legislator is deeply troubling.

It is particularly disappointing because Hon. Ogah himself rode into the National Assembly on the political wave of the 2023 Labour Party, Peter Obi movement that swept many previously unknown candidates into office across the country.

Yet ironically, he has publicly attempted to deny the influence of that political momentum in his victory.

More concerning is the fact that his election itself was initially nullified by the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal before he eventually secured victory at the Court of Appeal.




Below is a revised and sharper section added into the press statement. I kept the language strong but careful so it does not become legally defamatory while still politically stinging and persuasive.

A PATTERN OF HASTY AND CONTRADICTORY PUBLIC CONDUCT

Unfortunately, the conduct of Hon. Amobi Ogah in this matter fits into a broader pattern that many observers within the constituency have already known him for.

Among our Igbo people, such behaviour is often described as that of a “Jew guy,” someone who constantly pushes himself into matters cluelessly, without adequate understanding, preparation, or due diligence.

Hon. Ogah has repeatedly demonstrated a tendency to prop up issues and legislative ideas without sufficient research or consistency in principle.

A recent example illustrates this clearly.

Hon. Ogah publicly proposed that every public or civil servant in Nigeria should be compelled by law to enroll their children and wards in public schools or face punitive consequences.

While the idea itself was presented as a moral argument about improving public education, it quickly raised questions about its practicality, constitutionality, and sincerity.

Ironically, during the most recent admission cycle at Nile University in Abuja, the same Hon. Amobi Ogah was present at the matriculation ceremony of his daughter who had just been admitted into the private university.

This contradiction did not go unnoticed by many Nigerians who questioned how a lawmaker advocating compulsory public-school enrollment for others would simultaneously choose a private university education for his own child.

Such inconsistencies reinforce the perception that some of his public interventions are driven more by headline-seeking political theatrics than by careful legislative thought or principled leadership.

It is therefore not surprising that the same pattern appears to be playing out in the Uturu mining matter, where unverified claims and politically motivated narratives are being elevated above established facts, documentary evidence, and the findings of competent authorities.

Leadership, particularly in a diverse constituency like Isuikwuato/Umunneochi, demands maturity, restraint, and a commitment to truth rather than agitation.

Unfortunately, what we are witnessing in this case from Hon Amobi Ogah is far below standard of morality and good cis

One would expect such a controversial political trajectory to inspire humility and caution in public conduct.

Instead, what we have witnessed is a pattern of reckless political grandstanding that risks inflaming tensions within his own constituency.

A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO DISCREDIT COMMUNITY LEADERS

The latest allegations accusing individuals from Amanyanwu community of forgery, impersonation or misrepresentation are nothing but desperate attempts to discredit legitimate community representatives who executed lawful consent agreements.

These agreements followed the same traditional and administrative procedures that have governed mining activities in the area for decades.

The claims being circulated therefore collapse under the weight of historical facts and government findings.

MY POSITION REMAINS CLEAR

Let it be clearly stated.

I did not influence the mining license.

I did not impersonate any authority.

I did not facilitate any irregular process.

My only connection to this matter is that I am an indigene of Amanyanwu community, which historically owns the stone land.

Beyond that, I have remained focused on my responsibilities in Abuja as Special Adviser to the Minority Whip of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Osita Ngwu.

A WARNING AGAINST POLITICAL INSTIGATION

Uturu has enjoyed decades of peaceful coexistence among its communities.

It would be tragic if that peace is destroyed by political actors attempting to manipulate local issues for personal relevance.

Those attempting to inflame tensions must remember that no political ambition is worth the breakdown of peace in our communities.

CONCLUSION

The attempt to drag my name into this matter is a desperate distraction from the real facts.

Truth, historical evidence, and government investigations have already spoken.

No amount of political propaganda can change them.

I therefore urge the public to disregard the false allegations and politically motivated narratives being circulated.

Peace, justice, and respect for established community rights must prevail.

At this point, the facts are already on record, historical ownership, documentary evidence, investigations by the Mining Cadastre Office, and the final position of the Abia State Government.

No amount of political noise can erase these truths. The people of Uturu deserve peace, development, and responsible leadership, not agitation fueled by misinformation.

I therefore challenge Hon. Amobi Ogah to rise above political theatrics and present verifiable facts rather than inflammatory claims capable of destabilizing his own constituency, where his impact is no where felt in the lives of the people.

If he truly believes in the allegations he has amplified, he should subject them to transparent scrutiny before the appropriate authorities.

Otherwise, the continued propagation of these false claims will only reinforce the growing public perception that this entire controversy is nothing more than a politically motivated attempt to fraudulently manufacture relevance at the expense of peace and truth.

The attention of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a statement credited to Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, in a Labour Party organized event in Isuikwuato, in which he allegedly declared that, despite being a member of the APC, he would support the Labour Party to win the Abia governorship election in 2027.

While the party is not entirely surprised by such reckless and irresponsible remarks, the Abia APC unequivocally dissociates itself and all its members from this unacceptable conduct. The statement credited to Dr. Ogah does not in any way reflect the position, ideals, or aspirations of the APC in Abia State.

For some time, the party had reasons to believe that Dr. Ogah was operating as a mole within our ranks. This informed the decision taken a few days ago to suspend him from all party communication platforms, including official WhatsApp groups and chatrooms.

The APC in Abia today is united, focused, and resolute under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu. The party is firmly committed to winning elections across the board from the Presidential and National Assembly to the Governorship and State Assembly come 2027. As such, we cannot and will not harbor individuals whose actions undermine the party’s collective goals.

We strongly condemn the irresponsible and unfortunate anti-party posture for which Dr. Ogah appears to have become notorious. Consequently, the party will immediately activate its disciplinary mechanisms to thoroughly investigate the matter and recommend the most appropriate sanctions.

The Abia APC therefore urges all party faithful and the good people of Abia State to disregard this act of political sabotage. Let it be clearly stated that the APC, as presently constituted, will not tolerate moles, saboteurs, or individuals whose only path to political relevance is through acts that weaken the party from within.
The APC remains steadfast, united, and fully prepared to take over the seat of power, restore sanity in governance, and return the Abia State Government House from Nvosi to Umuahia, the state capital.

Uche Aguoru
Publicity Secretary
Abia State APC

By idiosyncratic level of analysis in leadership, David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of the State of Israel possessed some personality traits and perceptual adaptation similar to Abia-born Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Incidentally, there is a historical significance attached to the names of the two ‘BENs’. While David Ben-Gurion whose original name was David Gruen but was Hebraized with the adoption of the surname of Joseph Ben-Gurion, the Jewish General of 7.0. C.E., known for leading the historic revolt against Rome, the Deputy Speaker’s first name, Benjamin, one of the smallest tribes of Israel, was famous for producing fierce warriors with ambidextrous mastery: artful slingers and skilled archers. The book of Genesis 49:27 gives a short profile of the tribe thus: “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” Though Benjamin Kalu has not led a trenched warfare like the biblical ‘Benjamites’, his tactful finesse and soft power usually hand over victory to him without fisticuffs.


Interestingly, both Ben-Gurion and Ben Kalu trained as lawyers. Their stardom however, was not attained in the courtroom. They gained prominence through service to humanity. As far back as 1906, Ben-Gurion looked homeward and returned from Poland. He was among the early settlers at Yishuv, a Jewish residential territory in Palestine governed by the Ottoman Empire. He pioneered the establishment of a farming community in Petach-Tikva, a sprawling town close to Tel-Aviv. He also led the Zionist movement that worked out the mass return of the Jews from around the world, immediately after the State of Israel was created in 1948. And as the first national entrepreneur, the Jewish returnees looked up to him and resolved to conquer their security pathogens and environmental handicaps.


The young Ben Kalu’s election to the lower chamber of Nigeria’s legislature for the first time in 2019 became a springboard. Although relatively new in the nation’s political firmament, yet his political sagacity gave him a competitive edge and stood him out. He exceeded expectations in his capacity as the 9th House of Representatives spokesperson. The former Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila had this to say about him: “He is a chairman who continues to think outside the box and who is taking this media committee to a towering height like never before in the national assembly.” As the Deputy Speaker, he has brought uncommon visibility to the office. The country is projected proudly in the comity of nations; the Southeast geo-political zone feels his integrative capacity like a melting-pot; the shoulders of Abians are high that a Daniel has come to judgment; just as his legislative strides festoon the already feathered cap of his Bende Federal Constituency.

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For the physical survival of his people surrounded by hostile neighbours, Ben-Gurion was at different times the Defense Minister of the State of Israel. He stepped into the big shoes of his role model and harped on the urgency of building up their strengths “in every area and on all fronts.” On the other hand, Ben Kalu’s front-row position in the political hierarchy of the nation is used to reposition Ndigbo in the mainstream of the national political economy. He understands the feelings of exclusion at home and he works to assuage the real and imaginary pains. Through his respected voice, legislative craftmanship, and unfettered access to the policy arena, the cause of his people is always on the table, and not the menu. Like Gurion, Kalu is a rallying point to the ancient and modern political class in Abia State. He dignifiedly leads from the front with little or no ruffling of feathers.

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In terms of human security, Ben-Gurion’s passion for changing the fortunes of his people was exceptional. Water scarcity was a direct threat to food production and agribusiness in Israel. But against capture by experts, he insisted and tackled the challenge of semi-arid areas by building and extending water pipes from the Sea of Galilee in the northern part of the country to the highly populated Negev Desert in the south, a distance of about 250 kilometers. Hence, 80% of the water was channeled to agriculture while 20% was for drinking.


For Ben Kalu, the hangover of the Nigerian civil war which ended over five decades ago, remained an emotive issue among every full-blooded Igbo. Forget political correctness! But like an idea whose time had come, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill sponsored by him received legislative passage and presidential assent with minimal red tape. Consequently, SEDC, as a federal interventionist agency came on stream to address the scorched-earth drawbacks of the unfortunate war. Taken from the prism of operational balance, Ben-Gurion’s membership of the Knesset (Israel’s unicameral legislature) and Ben Kalu’s status as an astute parliamentarian have helped in reaching the critical mass for both countries.

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Notably, Ben-Gurion was a shrewd talent-spotter. As a farmer who nursed the vision of making Israel an agricultural powerhouse, he made sure that half of his cabinet was made up of farmers. Even the third and fifth prime ministers had more than passing interest in agriculture. Either by bedroom whispers or an extempore public assessment, no objective mind would accuse Ben Kalu of not having a knack for lifting up others. He does not suffer from the phobia of insecurity. Neither has he undermined others to remain a superstar. Rather, he willingly positions people rightly. What he did with the SEDC appointments reflects his fair-mindedness and respect for inclusivity. Of course, there is power in a name. Okezie means: a fair distributor of collective resource.

Without equivocation, Ben Kalu is full of steeze as a born leader. He commands a stylish confidence in speech, carriage, networking, and consensus-building. This piece is not about what may or may not be his ambition, but about highlighting worthy lessons on how to become a statesman. Today, Ben-Gurion is revered as the “Father of Israeli Nation” because of how he helped to shape the country from its embryonic stage.

Written by:

Jasper Uche

By idiosyncratic level of analysis in leadership, David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister of the State of Israel possessed some personality traits and perceptual adaptation similar to Abia-born Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Incidentally, there is a historical significance attached to the names of the two ‘BENs’. While David Ben-Gurion whose original name was David Gruen but was Hebraized with the adoption of the surname of Joseph Ben-Gurion, the Jewish General of 7.0. C.E., known for leading the historic revolt against Rome, the Deputy Speaker’s first name, Benjamin, one of the smallest tribes of Israel, was famous for producing fierce warriors with ambidextrous mastery: artful slingers and skilled archers. The book of Genesis 49:27 gives a short profile of the tribe thus: “Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” Though Benjamin Kalu has not led a trenched warfare like the biblical ‘Benjamites’, his tactful finesse and soft power usually hand over victory to him without fisticuffs.


Interestingly, both Ben-Gurion and Ben Kalu trained as lawyers. Their stardom however, was not attained in the courtroom. They gained prominence through service to humanity. As far back as 1906, Ben-Gurion looked homeward and returned from Poland. He was among the early settlers at Yishuv, a Jewish residential territory in Palestine governed by the Ottoman Empire. He pioneered the establishment of a farming community in Petach-Tikva, a sprawling town close to Tel-Aviv. He also led the Zionist movement that worked out the mass return of the Jews from around the world, immediately after the State of Israel was created in 1948. And as the first national entrepreneur, the Jewish returnees looked up to him and resolved to conquer their security pathogens and environmental handicaps.


The young Ben Kalu’s election to the lower chamber of Nigeria’s legislature for the first time in 2019 became a springboard. Although relatively new in the nation’s political firmament, yet his political sagacity gave him a competitive edge and stood him out. He exceeded expectations in his capacity as the 9th House of Representatives spokesperson. The former Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila had this to say about him: “He is a chairman who continues to think outside the box and who is taking this media committee to a towering height like never before in the national assembly.” As the Deputy Speaker, he has brought uncommon visibility to the office. The country is projected proudly in the comity of nations; the Southeast geo-political zone feels his integrative capacity like a melting-pot; the shoulders of Abians are high that a Daniel has come to judgment; just as his legislative strides festoon the already feathered cap of his Bende Federal Constituency.

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For the physical survival of his people surrounded by hostile neighbours, Ben-Gurion was at different times the Defense Minister of the State of Israel. He stepped into the big shoes of his role model and harped on the urgency of building up their strengths “in every area and on all fronts.” On the other hand, Ben Kalu’s front-row position in the political hierarchy of the nation is used to reposition Ndigbo in the mainstream of the national political economy. He understands the feelings of exclusion at home and he works to assuage the real and imaginary pains. Through his respected voice, legislative craftmanship, and unfettered access to the policy arena, the cause of his people is always on the table, and not the menu. Like Gurion, Kalu is a rallying point to the ancient and modern political class in Abia State. He dignifiedly leads from the front with little or no ruffling of feathers.

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In terms of human security, Ben-Gurion’s passion for changing the fortunes of his people was exceptional. Water scarcity was a direct threat to food production and agribusiness in Israel. But against capture by experts, he insisted and tackled the challenge of semi-arid areas by building and extending water pipes from the Sea of Galilee in the northern part of the country to the highly populated Negev Desert in the south, a distance of about 250 kilometers. Hence, 80% of the water was channeled to agriculture while 20% was for drinking.


For Ben Kalu, the hangover of the Nigerian civil war which ended over five decades ago, remained an emotive issue among every full-blooded Igbo. Forget political correctness! But like an idea whose time had come, the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill sponsored by him received legislative passage and presidential assent with minimal red tape. Consequently, SEDC, as a federal interventionist agency came on stream to address the scorched-earth drawbacks of the unfortunate war. Taken from the prism of operational balance, Ben-Gurion’s membership of the Knesset (Israel’s unicameral legislature) and Ben Kalu’s status as an astute parliamentarian have helped in reaching the critical mass for both countries.

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Notably, Ben-Gurion was a shrewd talent-spotter. As a farmer who nursed the vision of making Israel an agricultural powerhouse, he made sure that half of his cabinet was made up of farmers. Even the third and fifth prime ministers had more than passing interest in agriculture. Either by bedroom whispers or an extempore public assessment, no objective mind would accuse Ben Kalu of not having a knack for lifting up others. He does not suffer from the phobia of insecurity. Neither has he undermined others to remain a superstar. Rather, he willingly positions people rightly. What he did with the SEDC appointments reflects his fair-mindedness and respect for inclusivity. Of course, there is power in a name. Okezie means: a fair distributor of collective resource.

Without equivocation, Ben Kalu is full of steeze as a born leader. He commands a stylish confidence in speech, carriage, networking, and consensus-building. This piece is not about what may or may not be his ambition, but about highlighting worthy lessons on how to become a statesman. Today, Ben-Gurion is revered as the “Father of Israeli Nation” because of how he helped to shape the country from its embryonic stage.

Written by:

Jasper Uche

When characters like Osita Offor open their mouths in public to cast aspersions on a personality no less than the Deputy Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, those of us who know the antecedents of this hypocritical character and stomach-driven sycophant cannot but shudder at the audacity.

While I do not intend to dwell too much on, or give Offor the attention he hardly deserves, one may be tempted to ask whether he has only recently recovered from political amnesia. How else does one explain his sudden claim that a house he has visited repeatedly, praised and admired has suddenly become an obstruction to road construction?

Permit me to remind you, in case you have forgotten, that it is the same house you visited several times seeking mentorship and assistance from Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

I do not entirely blame you, because your only known means of livelihood appears to be sycophancy and praise singing. However, it is important to remind you that the ongoing Umuahia–Bende–Ohafia Road project was attracted by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu during the 9th Assembly at the cost of ₦12 billion. The project is still ongoing. Contractors began the rehabilitation and construction of the Umuahia–Bende–Ohafia Road (Lot 2) from the Ohafia end, while palliative works were carried out along the entire stretch from Umuahia through Bende to ensure the road remained passable pending full reconstruction.

Let me also inform you that it was the relentless efforts and pressure mounted by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu on the then Minister of Works, His Excellency Babatunde Fashola that the road got FEC approval, the then minister for mines Dr. Uche Ogah is alive and will attest to this, it is also worthy of note that it was that road that earned Ben Kalu, the revered traditional title of Kpakpando Ohafia by the Udumeze.

While I understand that you may have been commissioned to insult a man whose shoes you are not qualified to lace simply because Governor Otti handed you a small job in Aba, it would be wiser to channel the proceeds of that job toward settling the debts you owe South Africa based heavyweight wrestler, Chukwuma Okoye, popularly known as Kilimanjaro, and others.

Take this advice from a brother who knows and genuinely cares.

A word, they say, is enough for the wise.

if indeed you are one.

Chief Daniel Akwari
(Osu Uzo Item)

Hon. Chijioke Chukwu is a Nigerian politician, administrator, and development advocate from Ndieke Isieke Amaba, Ugwueke in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State. He was born into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Chukwu Eke, where he began a life shaped by discipline, community values, and a strong commitment to public service.

He started his early education at Community Primary School, Amaba Ugwueke, after which he attended Ugwueke Secondary School and later Igbere Secondary School, where he obtained his Junior and Senior Secondary School Certificates respectively.

Driven by a passion for academic excellence and professional growth, Hon. Chukwu proceeded to Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc Hons.) degree in Applied Biochemistry. He further advanced his studies at the University of Nigeria, obtaining both a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) and a Master’s Degree (M.Sc) in Business Management. Demonstrating a continued commitment to scholarship and leadership development, he is currently pursuing a PhD in Management at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Hon. Chijioke Chukwu ventured into active politics and public service with a strong desire to contribute to the development of his constituency and the state at large. In 2019, he was elected as a Member of the Abia State House of Assembly, where he served with distinction and contributed to legislative activities through participation in various committees.

During his tenure in the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, he rose to the position of Minority Leader, a role in which he demonstrated leadership, legislative competence, and commitment to democratic governance.

Beyond the state legislature, Hon. Chukwu also served at the federal level as Special Assistant on Intergovernmental Affairs in the Office of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where he helped strengthen collaboration between different tiers of government.

In recognition of his experience, leadership qualities, and dedication to national development, he was nominated and confirmed by the Senate as the South-East Representative on the Board of the North West Development Commission.

Aside from his political and professional achievements, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu is also a respected traditional title holder. He holds the prestigious title of “Ikeoha Umunna,” reflecting his standing as a dependable pillar and defender of his people within his community.

Through his career in public service, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu has continued to demonstrate commitment to leadership, community development, legislative service, and national integration.

Otti's Government and the Politics of Land Grabbing And Audio Compensation

By Uche Aguoru

A close look at the last quarter of 2025 shows that a staggering ₦23 billion was written off by the Abia State Government under the sub-head Lands and Housing.

In that same year, during a civic reception held in his honour at Isiala Ngwa, Governor Alex Otti publicly declared: “We have paid all the people whose lands were acquired for the airport project to the last kobo.”

Yet, just last week, while reacting to a poser on the complaints from Nsulu land owners affected by the same airport project, the Governor stated: “Every verified landowner will be paid.”

These two statements cannot coexist without raising serious questions. If everyone had already been paid “to the last kobo,” why is there now a fresh assurance that verified landowners will be paid?

These are glaring contradictions and inconsistencies that has always defined the Otti administration.

Why has the Abia State Government failed to publish a comprehensive list of beneficiaries, the amounts paid, dates of payment, and the specific parcels of land acquired? Why is it so difficult to provide documentary evidence for a transaction that reportedly consumed ₦23 billion within just three months?

Even more concerning is the fact that ₦15 billion had already been written off in 2024 for compensation payments. Yet, communities in Owazza, Ukwa West, continue to protest non-payment two years after their lands were acquired.

Transparency and accountability in governance is not optional, billions of taxpayers funds are involved, they demand accountability, transparency and verifiable data.

It is deeply troubling that the Otti administration has spent ₦38 Billion in two years for compensation and still no clarity and land owners are still protesting over none payment.

Gov. Otti can you provide data of those who were really paid, Abians are not asking for too much. They are simply asking for the truth.

Aguoru

Writes from Umuahia

Otti's Government and the Politics of Land Grabbing And Audio Compensation

By Uche Aguoru

A close look at the last quarter of 2025 shows that a staggering ₦23 billion was written off by the Abia State Government under the sub-head Lands and Housing.

In that same year, during a civic reception held in his honour at Isiala Ngwa, Governor Alex Otti publicly declared: “We have paid all the people whose lands were acquired for the airport project to the last kobo.”

Yet, just last week, while reacting to a poser on the complaints from Nsulu land owners affected by the same airport project, the Governor stated: “Every verified landowner will be paid.”

These two statements cannot coexist without raising serious questions. If everyone had already been paid “to the last kobo,” why is there now a fresh assurance that verified landowners will be paid?

These are glaring contradictions and inconsistencies that has always defined the Otti administration.

Why has the Abia State Government failed to publish a comprehensive list of beneficiaries, the amounts paid, dates of payment, and the specific parcels of land acquired? Why is it so difficult to provide documentary evidence for a transaction that reportedly consumed ₦23 billion within just three months?

Even more concerning is the fact that ₦15 billion had already been written off in 2024 for compensation payments. Yet, communities in Owazza, Ukwa West, continue to protest non-payment two years after their lands were acquired.

Transparency and accountability in governance is not optional, billions of taxpayers funds are involved, they demand accountability, transparency and verifiable data.

It is deeply troubling that the Otti administration has spent ₦38 Billion in two years for compensation and still no clarity and land owners are still protesting over none payment.

Gov. Otti can you provide data of those who were really paid, Abians are not asking for too much. They are simply asking for the truth.

Aguoru

Writes from Umuahia

Former Chairman of the APC in Umuahia North and CEO of SLOAK Paints Ltd, Chief Sam Akagu, has congratulated all party members who emerged as Ward and LGA Executives in the just-concluded APC Congress in Umuahia North.

Chief Akagu described the congress as peaceful, well-organized, and a clear demonstration of the renewed unity within the party. He commended party faithful for their maturity, discipline, and commitment to strengthening the APC at the grassroots.

He particularly thanked the leaders of the party for their collective and individual sacrifices in ensuring the unity presently enjoyed in Umuahia North, a feat he noted had eluded the party since its formation in the state. According to him, the spirit of compromise, understanding, and genuine reconciliation among stakeholders made the success of the congress possible.

Chief Akagu expressed profound appreciation to Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his resilience, steadfastness, and sincere efforts toward fostering unity within the party and ensuring the smooth conduct of the congresses across the state. He noted that true leadership is tested in moments of division, and the Deputy Speaker rose to the occasion.

He also acknowledged the immense contributions of party leaders in Umuahia North, including Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka, Chief Charles Ogbonna, and other stakeholders who made personal sacrifices to ensure that the party speaks with one voice.

Furthermore, he extended special recognition to His Excellency Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Hon. Nkeiru Onyejeocha,Hon.Emeka Atuma, Sen. Adighije, Chief Henry Ikoh, and other leaders whose commitment and support helped reposition the APC as a united and formidable political force.

Chief Akagu urged the newly elected executives to remain focused, inclusive, and committed to consolidating the gains of unity, emphasizing that a strong grassroots structure remains the foundation for future electoral success.

He concluded by stating that with the current level of cooperation and renewed harmony, Abia APC is poised for greater victories ahead.

The CEO of Constance Energy Group, H/Chief Ikenna Okafor, has sent a deeply emotional and heartfelt message to his beloved wife, Chief Mrs. Suzzy Chinemerem Okafor, as she marks another beautiful year of life.

In the touching message delivered on behalf of the family, Chief Okafor described his wife as a God-fearing, virtuous woman and a wonderful mother whose love, patience, and unwavering care have kept the family peaceful, united, and happy.

Chief Okafor Wrote...

Dear Heavenly Father,

"Thank you for my greatest gift - my beautiful and amazing wife Sneaks Baby. The woman who has made my life meaningful with love and laughter."

"Hevenly father For forty beautiful years now, you have preserved her, strengthened her, and made her a blessing to everyone around her but more especially to me"

"As she enters this new stage of her life, Lord, please continue to shield her with favor, peace and good health. Let joy dance in her heart, let grace rest upon her head, and let every dream she carries begin to bloom.

Renew her strength, protect her always, and let her days be gentle and bright"

He prayed God to Bless their marriage, "deepen our bond, and let our love grow sweeter with every year. May her life overflow with purpose, beauty, and fulfillment"

"My dear Sneaks, the best days of your life are not behind you, they are just beginning in Jesus name, Amen"

He expressed profound gratitude, saying, “Under your care, our house has truly become a home, warm, loving, and filled with joy.”

“On behalf of our children and the entire Okafor family, I wish you a wonderful birthday filled with love, laughter, and the fulfillment of your heart’s desires. You are the light of our home, the strength of our family, and the greatest blessing in our lives.

Happy Birthday, my love.”

H/ Chief Ikenna Okafor

Chairman Constance Group

The recently concluded APC E-registration exercise has firmly established the All Progressives Congress, "a party once despised by Abians", as the fastest-growing and most formidable political force in Abia State today.

Across the 17 Local Government Areas and over 184 wards, the surge in membership has revealed a clear and undeniable reality, Abians are increasingly embracing the APC at the grassroots, and much of this transformation is credited to the strategic leadership and tireless commitment of the indefatigable and charismatic Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Not long ago, few would have imagined that a party once rejected and dismissed by many would rise to become the dominant political platform in the state. Yet, through persistence, vision, and purposeful engagement, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has successfully repositioned the APC, turning skepticism into acceptance and indifference into mass support.

From polling units to wards, and from wards to LGAs, Benjamin Kalu worked quietly but methodically, building structures, strengthening party unity, mobilizing grassroots support, and fostering inclusiveness among stakeholders.

His ability to connect directly with the people, understand their aspirations, and provide purposeful leadership has significantly reshaped the political landscape of Abia State.

Through effective organization, strategic planning, investments, and consistent grassroots presence, he has transformed the APC into a vibrant, people-driven movement. By promoting the ideals of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and taking the message to the doorsteps of ordinary citizens, he has made the party more attractive, accessible, and widely accepted.

Today, the APC stands not just as a strong opposition, but as the party to beat in any electoral contest in Abia State. Its growing membership, expanding grassroots network, and renewed public confidence position it as the leading political force in the state.


Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu’s passion, resilience, and visionary leadership have laid a solid foundation for the party’s continued rise. As the momentum builds and the structure strengthens.

There is now a growing consensus across Abia state that the true reward for this commitment and hard work will come to realization in 2027.

Uche Aguoru

Is A Public Affairs Analyst

In furtherance of his strategic political realignment and sustained efforts to strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, Chief Moritz Abazie (Ebube Ohuhu) at the weekend convened a high-level meeting with APC leaders spanning ward and local government structures in Umuahia North.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Abazie reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to building a united, disciplined, and results-driven party structure, assuring leaders that every necessary effort will be deployed to secure decisive APC victories across all polling units in Umuahia North in 2027.

The well-attended meeting marked the formal unification of APC and former PDP structures in Ohuhu, bringing together serving APC executives alongside former PDP leaders who have now aligned with the APC. This consolidation significantly strengthens the party’s cohesion, grassroots reach, and electoral capacity within the area.

Commending party leaders for the successful E-registration exercise, Chief Abazie emphasized the importance of loyalty, coordination, and sustained grassroots mobilisation, urging all stakeholders to remain focused and united in pursuit of the shared objective of delivering Umuahia North for the APC.

With the movement gaining momentum and the structure growing stronger, the pathway to 2027 is becoming increasingly clear.

With deep sorrow but total submission to the will of Almighty God, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Mrs. Mercillina O. E. Bonny

She lived a life of achievement, dignity, and accountability, touching many lives with her kindness, strength, and motherly love. Her life was truly a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond measure and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

Sign: Austin Emeka Bonny
(De Lazz Inc.)

Correcting the Deliberate Falsehood Against Ben Kalu by the ABSG

By Uche Aguoru

Ordinarily, one would have chosen to ignore the stream of misinformation and outright falsehoods emanating from Otti's Government where falsehood have been elevated to an official policy in the Alex Otti administration.

However, in the interest of truth, clarity, and public record, it has become imperative to set the facts straight and expose the deliberate attempt to mislead the public by Governor Alex Otti and his agents.

Sometime in 2024, the people of Amaukwu Igbere in Bende Local Government Area, approached the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, with a desperate plea: Igbere Ward B had no single hospital serving its population. This alarming absence of basic healthcare infrastructure clearly the responsibility of the Abia State Government forced the community to seek the intervention of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

In the same spirit, the community submitted requests for urgent intervention in public education infrastructure that had been abandoned to decay under the watch of the state government. These requests included:

Construction of a 3-classroom block with Headmaster’s Office at Eluokwe Community School
Renovation of a 3-classroom block with a large auditorium at Eluokwe Community School
Renovation of a 4-classroom block at Ezi Igbere Secondary School
Renovation of three separate 3-classroom blocks at Ezi Igbere Secondary School
Renovation of a 3-classroom block with Principal’s Office and Library at Ezi Igbere Secondary School
These schools had deteriorated to such an extent that parts of their premises reportedly became havens for criminal activities and hideouts for smoking of illicit drugs, an indictment of a government that claims to have spent billions of naira on education and security.

Although these projects fall squarely within the constitutional responsibilities of the Abia State Government, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, consistent with his people centered leadership style, intervened to attract federal support and even facilitated the siting of a hospital in Igbere to alleviate the suffering of the people.

Following this intervention, the Central Council of Amaukwu Ebiri Autonomous Community, in April 2025, duly approved land for the proposed hospital. The community also obtained approval from the state government for the reconstruction of the affected schools (attched is a copy of the approval document ).

The clearing of the hospital site including the removal of a dilapidated two-room structure being used for drug abuse and other criminal activities was entirely carried out by the community, led by the home branch chairmen of Amaukwu, Amakpo, and Ibinanta Autonomous Communities.

For the avoidance of doubt, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu neither selected the site nor hired any contractor.

His role was strictly to attract the project and ensure its delivery not to supervise construction. As at today, he has not even visited the site, it now begs for answer how a man who has not visited a facility will embark on demolition of such a facility. Such a claim can only exist is the mind of manipulative government who only seeks to hide her glaring failures under media propaganda and deliberate misinformation.

It is therefore both mischievous and dishonest for Governor Alex Otti, through his Chief Press Secretary, to drag the Deputy Speaker into issues he has no direct involvement in, except for the obvious purpose of political mischief and blame game.

More troubling is the revelation that when contractors arrived to commence approved renovation works with all necessary documentation they were openly resisted by a headmistress, who reportedly stated that she had “express orders from Governor Otti” not to allow any reconstruction by "Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu"

As incredible as this may sound, it speaks volumes about the level of intolerance, insecurity, and pettiness to which governance in Abia State has been reduced.

To now turn around and play the victim after deliberately blocking interventions meant to benefit Abia children and the Igbere community only further exposes the manipulation and insincerity that have come to define the Otti administration.

At no time did Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu demolish any school in Igbere or anywhere else. Any attempt to associate him with such action/s is a deliberate falsehood, crafted to mask the monumental failures of the Abia State Government.

Even more astonishing is the claim that the schools being renovated are part of a so-called “smart school” initiative. This claim ranks among the biggest falsehoods of our time. Abians are still searching for the ₦82 billion reportedly earmarked for smart schools, which, to date, cannot be found anywhere in the state.

Let the truth be told: Benjamin Kalu, despite political differences, has helped to cover glaring governance gaps in Abia State. At no point has he attempted to undermine Governor Otti. Rather, it is the Governor and his agents who have persistently dished out insults and falsehood against the person and office of the Deputy Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria simply for demanding accountability.

Instead of resorting to blame games and cheap propaganda, Governor Otti owes Abians a clear account of public funds and an honest explanation for non-existent projects such as smart schools, recreational facilities, ICT centres which funds has been budgeted for and allegedly drawn with no such facilities existing anywhere in Abia.

On the issue of calls for Governor Otti to join the APC, the Deputy Speaker has been unequivocal: he will no longer make such calls, as it has become unnecessary. The Governor has the right to belong to any political party of his choice. What truly matters is that he uses the resources meant for Abians to work for Abia State.

Leadership demands truth and accountability not excuses, propaganda and blame game.

Governor Otti should stop scapegoating the Deputy Speaker and instead explain to Abians where the so-called smart schools funded with ₦82 billion are located in Abia State.


Uche Aguoru
Is A Public Affairs Analyst

Barrister Randie Ukawoko has raised serious concerns over alleged threats to his life and that of his family, following his ongoing legal battle with the Abia State Government.

Speaking to journalists from an undisclosed location, Barr. Ukawoko disclosed that since his return to Nigeria from the United States where he travelled for medical reasons, he has been receiving persistent threatening phone calls and messages from unknown numbers. According to him, the callers have been pressuring him to withdraw a lawsuit he instituted against the Abia State Government.

The legal practitioner further alleged that the threats escalated recently and precisely on the 30th of December 2025, when his Security man informed him that at about 7.35pm, four unidentified men, driving an unmarked black Hilux stopped by his gate and one of them descended from the vehicle, looked into his premises and rejoined the rest and they sped off. Around 11. 32 pm on that day, the same group stormed his residence but this time in a white unmarked Hummer bus and the same man who came earlier demanded to see him, he told him that his boss was in Lagos, he inquired about one of his cars and he told him it was at the mechanic for repairs. He said the men refused to identify themselves when questioned by his security personnel, insisting instead that they had an “urgent” matter to discuss with him. Sensing danger, his security man declined to open the gate, after which the men reportedly sped off.

Barr. Ukanwoko linked the alleged intimidation to his legal action against the Abia State Government over the demolition of Abia Hotels Ltd and the destruction of it's movable assets including, livestock, fisheries, and other valuable investments. He maintained that the demolition was carried out in defiance of a valid court process which was duly served on the government and despite a subsisting 25 years legally binding agreement between his company and the state government executed in 2013.

The property, he said, was lawfully concessioned to Investment Guarantee Ltd, a company in which he has interests, and the action compelled him to seek redress in court, demanding compensation and restitution for the huge losses incurred.

Barr. Ukawoko confirmed that he has since formally reported the alleged threats to relevant law enforcement agencies, calling on security authorities to urgently intervene to protect his life and ensure the rule of law is upheld.

He feels pained by the action of the Abia state government to order the sealing and subsequent destruction of his properties in the course of the said avoidable demolition and thereby render him and 52 other young Abians unemployed and helpless.

He is using this medium to appeal to whosoever is behind this heinous threat to desist and allow the court process to run it's course. From the onset, he was never averse to the government retaking the property but let it be carried out with due process in line with the extant provisions of the Development Lease Agreement.

According to him, it is highly pitiable that he is going through this horrendous experience because he invested in his state of origin and on a property abandoned by the government for over 15 years. Today he has lost everything and is fighting for his safety in his state.

Barr. Ukanwoko is also using this medium to alert the public and appeal for protection of his life and family from security agencies in Umuahia in particular and Abia State in general.

History was made and records broken on December 24, 2025, as the Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council formally appointed and conferred Royal High Chief Dr. Charles Onwuneme (Aju Vu Ohuhu/Ahia Umuahia) as the Traditional Prime Minister (TPM) of Ohuhu Clan.

The prestigious appointment, announced by the Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Council, is a recognition of Dr. Onwuneme’s exceptional leadership qualities, integrity, and years of dedicated service to the Ohuhu people. His elevation to the revered position of TPM underscores the confidence reposed in him by the traditional institution and the wider Ohuhu community.

According to the Council, the choice of High Chief Dr. Onwuneme reflects his proven capacity to provide sound counsel, foster unity, and promote peace and progress across Ohuhu land. Known for his commitment to community development and selfless service, he is widely respected for his wisdom, discipline, and unwavering dedication to the collective interest of the people.

With the conferment, High Chief Dr. Charles Onwuneme assumes the noble responsibility of Traditional Prime Minister with immediate effect, pledging to work closely with traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to strengthen unity, uphold cultural values, and advance the socio-cultural development of Ohuhu Clan.

The appointment has been greeted with widespread commendation and goodwill messages from indigenes and well-wishers, who describe it as a well-deserved honour and a positive step toward sustained harmony and progress in Ohuhu.

The Ikenna Okafor Foundation has announced an Empowerment and Gift-Giving Programme scheduled for December 26, 2026, at Unity Hall, Eke Ukwu, Uturu, Abia State.

The humanitarian outreach will see the distribution of 600 bags of rice, ₦3 million in cash gifts, 120 wrappers for widows, and ₦4.8 million worth of SSB support to beneficiaries across the community.

According to the organisers, the initiative is aimed at spreading joy, hope, and economic relief to vulnerable persons, especially during the festive season. Community members and stakeholders have been invited to participate and support the foundation’s mission of compassion and empowerment.

For further details, interested persons may contact the programme coordinator, Azubuike M.A., on 08101391584.

The Ndi Eze Ohuhu on Tuesday honoured the Chief Executive Officer of Strides Energy and maritime Ltd. Chief Moritz Abazie, alongside his wife, Dr. Mrs Abazie, with the chieftaincy title of Ebube Mba, Ohuhu.

The well-attended ceremony took place at the palace of His Royal Majesty, Eze Charles Ngwuli, Chairman of the Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers. The royal fathers eulogised Chief Abazie as a man of exceptional philanthropy who deploys his resources to uplift the poor and advance societal development, noting that the honour was richly deserved.

They urged him to sustain his humanitarian efforts, which include sponsoring education for the less privileged, youth empowerment, support for families in need, provision of decent shelter, and other community development initiatives. Prayers were offered for divine guidance, expansion, and greater blessings upon him and his family.

In his response, Chief Abazie expressed profound gratitude to the royal fathers for the honour, pledging to remain steadfast in supporting society. He called for peace and harmony within the Ohuhu clan and promised continued support for initiatives aimed at the development of Ohuhu, while reaffirming his readiness to assist the traditional institution whenever called upon.

The event attracted notable dignitaries, including royal fathers, community leaders, friends, and well-wishers. Guests were entertained with traditional music and choice wines in his country home.

The Abia State Government on Saturday 29/11/25, began the demolition of Abia Hotels Ltd., Umuahia, a facility built and managed by a private investor under a valid 25-year lease agreement with the state.

Barr. Randie Ukanwoko, whose company, Investment Guarantee Ltd., constructed and manages the hotel, narrated to journalists on phone from his hospital bed in the United States that the crisis began soon after he joined the APC. He recalled that some government officials called him to ask him why he chose to join the APC instead of their own party knowing that he is handling an asset that belonged to the government of which he told them that he has a right to associate and to make his own decisions.

A few weeks there after, he was invited by a team led by the general manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority ( UCDA ) Kingsley Agomuo for the review of the Lease Agreement between his company and Abia State Government. He obliged and supplied them with all the relevant documents they requested. A few weeks later, he was invited to another meeting and was told that the Governor has decided to recover the property insisting that he wants to build a 5 star hotel there. He sought to know why and was told to find out from the governor whose instructions they were acting on. He wrote to the governor severally requesting for an audience but was denied though he read the messages. When it became obvious that he had no choice, he obliged and advised them to be guided by the terms of the Development Lease Agreement which granted his company 25 years binding and duly registered contract which contains among several provisions Viz: 1. A refund of his investment should the government wish to take over at any time before the expiration of his 25 years binding tenure provided it was confirmed by a credible valuation company. 2. 40% equity holding after the lease period. Consequently, they engaged one Mr Ahaoma Ucheagwu. After he submitted his report, they summoned him to a meeting where they made a ridiculous offer of 150m. He asked to see the valuation report but was denied. He said that he could not negotiate blindly and subsequently engaged mssr Jide Taiwo and co who valued his fixed assets to a forced sale value of #708m. Based on this report they moved their offer to 450m but he refused and sought to see the governor for further clarification on the status of his 40% holding but he was denied. He also specifically pleaded that the entire transaction be strictly confidential for his safety and that of his family as well as a period of 6 months to enable him reinvest into another hotel so as to retain the trust of his creditors and also accommodate the 52 work force most of whom are students of Michael Okpara and Abia state Universities as well as 8 NYSC members who were passing out in March next year. He also pleaded to be allowed to carry out December activities since most customers have paid since several months in the past. They requested for time to pass his requests to the governor for approval. As it was taking a long time for the governor's response which was seriously affecting his trip to Houston Texas on medical ground and his hospital was issuing threats about his negligence to show up for his review, he wrote UCDA to notify them of his intention to proceed, leaving a contact number to be reached and nominating his lawyer Barr. Martin Okereafor to represent him should the need arise. To the best of his knowledge, there was an appreciable cordiality in the negotiation until the Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, hosted President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Partners program on the hotel premises.

According to Ukanwoko, three of his kinsmen who serve in Governor Alex Otti’s administration called him late at night shortly after the event and sought to know why he allowed the venue to be used for the Tinubu aligned program and that Rt. Hon. Benjamin kalu is the No1 enemy of the state.

He said he explained that Abia Hotels is a public business facility open to all customers who pay the stipulated charges, adding that Rt. Hon. Kalu paid ₦500,000 for the event. He reminded them that even during Otti’s years in the opposition, he was given access to host his political programs in the same hotel without harassment.

They told him that the governor was very unhappy at Exco over the incident. Later that day, the Commissioner for Information released a highly injurious article where he described the hotel "as moribond, dilapidated and derelict project on the verge of being recovered by the government. We quickly issued a rebuttal.

Three days later, Ukanwoko received a call from Kingsley Agomuo inviting him to a mandatory meeting by 3pm the following day on the instructions of the governor. He reminded him that he was not in Nigeria. He told him to direct his lawyer to represent him. At the meeting, the lawyer met correspondents of 6 media companies with camera men. Upon inquiry, he was told that the governor has decided to pay him immediately so as to hand over and vacate the premises immediately. That the event was to be covered by the media outfits. He told them that it was outside his instructions and left.

He was reinivited and apologized to. He was persuaded to write an application for the payment of 450m to Barr. Randie Ukawoko's personal account.They promised to appeal to the governor to upwardly review the amount. He obliged but refused to execute any agreement in lieu of the purported payment.

Two days later, McDonald Uba called him and informed him that there was some money (₦450m) approved for him by the governor as compensation for his investment in Abia Hotel on condition that he MUST open an account with Signature Bank Umuahia. He told him that the lease document did not talk about compensation but a refund and his money is way above that amount. Later in the evening, the manager of Signature bank, Jonathan Obileye called him with the same information and he bluntly rejected his demands. To his shock, they went ahead and deposited the money into his account without him executing any agreement.

Two days after, they started threatening him to vacate the property within 48 hours. In consequence, he approached the court and served them duly and effectively. The matter is scheduled for hearing on Tuesday, 2/12/25. Last week Saturday, they came to the hotel and sealed it with the state vigilante men (Bakasi boys) and chased away all the guests including a lady who was to have a wedding in one of the tents. They barred all his staff from assessing the premises since then causing the company loss of a lot of valuable properties due to this inhuman action.

On Friday McDonald Uba, the SA on security to Abia state government came to inform his security men who converged outside the compound that the governor had instructed them to demolish the hotel with all the properties inside. This wicked machination was carried out on Saturday As they were doing this, a man was busy assembling all the Air-conditioners insisting that McDonald had agreed with him to buy them because the governor has paid for it. There is no where in the world where movable assets are included in valuation of fixed investment.

As demolition is still ongoing this morning, Ukanwoko still recovering from major surgery abroad made a distress call to “good-spirited Nigerians,” insisting his only offence was allowing the Deputy Speaker to use the premises for the launch of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The incident has sparked outrage across Abia State and beyond, with many branding it a ruthless abuse of executive power, a direct attack on political pluralism, and a dangerous precedent for property rights under the Otti administration.

Abia govt seals Tinubu’s campaign office in Umuahia

Abia State Government has sealed a campaign office belonging to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Partners (RHP) in Umuahia, the state capital.

The Renewed Hope Partners is the campaign structure for the President, being promoted across the South East zone by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

An official of the RHP, who declined to have his name in print, told Vanguard that he resumed work only to find the office sealed without warning.

Information pasted on the walls at the entrance to the office located at Ojike Street, Umuahia, by the Ministry of Lands and Housing stated that the property is in contravention of the state’s tax law.

It read: “Ministry of Lands and Housing. This property is in contravention of Sections 41 and 100 of the Abia State Tax Law (Codification and Consolidation), Law No. 7 of 2020. And it’s here by sealed.

“Any person, including the owner/ occupier, neighbour(s) or passer(s) by,who attempts to unseal this building is in contravention of the Abia state tax law No.7 of 2020. Be warned. Keep off.”

Efforts to obtain more information from the phone numbers listed on the document posted by the Ministry of Lands and Housing were unsuccessful, as they were unavailable at the time of filing this report.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/abia-govt-seals-tinubus-campaign-office-in-umuahia/


The Abia State Government on Tuesday sealed the office of the Renewed Hope Partners in Umuahia, sparking political tension and raising questions about the motive behind the action.

According to insider information, a source within Government House, Umuahia who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed that the directive came from “above” as part of a calculated move to get back at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his refusal to visit Abia State to commission projects executed by the state government. Despite several invitations and efforts to lure the President to Abia, the source said the attempts were rebuffed, leading to growing resentment within the Otti's government.

The source further alleged that Governor Alex Otti, having reportedly faced repeated frustration in his attempts to formally join the APC, has now chosen to align with forces opposed to President Tinubu’s 2027 reelection bid. Sealing the Renewed Hope Partners office, he claimed, is one of the strategies being deployed to undermine the President’s influence and restrict APC activities in Abia State ahead of the 2027 elections.
As an alibi, the Otti government cited non-payment of taxes as the reason for sealing the Renewed Hope Partners office despite the fact that no formal process was initiated, no notification or demand notice, was issued. the government without any prior official correspondence used the courts to effect the clampdown.

It is becoming worrisome ahead of the coming political season as this pattern has become a recurring strategy in Abia State to ensure the APC is unable to hold political events in public facilities unless in their homes.

Recently, Abia Hotels in Umuahia was sealed by the state government despite a subsisting 25-year lease agreement on the property, the reason being that the hotel premises were used as the venue for the Renewed Hope Partners rally organized by the APC. Observers point to this as further evidence of a deliberate attempt to stifle opposition activity on the state.

Also recently the state government allegedly deployed armed thugs to disrupt Renewed Hope Partners rallies in Obingwa and Osisioma LGA,s, heightening concerns about a coordinated clampdown on opposition particularly the APC as the 2027 election season approaches.

He also added that because of the threats by the APC to take over the state in 2027 even stricter measures may soon be taken against the APC, which has increasingly become the major opposition force to the Alex Otti-led administration.

Chief Abazie Celebrates Chief Enyinnaya Onokala (Omehere Uzo Isingwu) @70

"Today, we celebrate a remarkable leader, technocrat, and role model Chief Enyinna Onokala as he marks his 70th birthday."

"Chief has distinguished himself in his professional career and has remained a pillar of wisdom, guidance, and service to our community and the church. His steady leadership, generosity of spirit, and lifelong commitment to the progress of Isingwu continue to inspire many of us.

We thank God for his life and wish him many more years of good health, peace, and fulfilment. May the grace of God continue to strengthen him as he remains a shining example to our people."

Congratulations, Chief!

Happy 70th Birthday!

Signed...

Chief Moritz Amanze Abazie.
(Onwa Isingwu)

The sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court stands as one of the most jarring moments in our nation’s recent history.

Beyond the legal arguments, it exposes yet again the fragile and troubling place of the Igbo man in today’s Nigeria.

At a time when states in Northern Nigeria are holding negotiations and signing peace deals with armed bandits who have unleashed terror on innocent citizens, an unarmed man is condemned for broadcasts he made while in the UK. The contradiction is deafening.

While our leaders may have tried within their limits, their best, respectfully, has not been enough. We must now separate politics from governance.
Our leaders in the southeast have consistently failed the region. Many merely pretend to champion Nnamdi Kanu’s cause, using his situation as a tool for political advantage rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

They are insincere, and only obsessed with media attention, they have refused to prioritize development and their myopic sense of leadership have weakened our standing and negotiating power in Nigeria.

Our leaders think only about the next election, while neglecting the next generation and it is this clear leadership failure that has fueled the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s struggle.

Until we produce sincere, courageous, people-centered leaders, the Southeast will continue to be sidelined and not taken Seriously

This is a moment for sober reflection, unity, and strategic action. It is not the time for blame games, party lines, or ideological divides.

Ndi Igbo must speak with one voice. We must rally together traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, activists, and the broader Igbo community to pursue a political solution that restores Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.

If we allow him to perish in jail, it is not just one man that is imprisoned it is the collective Igbo conscience.

This is our moral burden. This is our historical obligation. And the time to act is now.

Hon. Demian Igbokwe is the
Special Adviser To The Senate Minority Whip

Prominent Abia-born, philantropist and businessman Chief Moritz Abazie, has extended warm felicitations to H.E. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State, on the occasion of his birthday.

In a goodwill message personally signed by him, Chief Abazie described Dr. Ikpeazu as “a leader and statesman, gifted with deep wisdom, humility, kindness and dedication to humanity.

He prayed for God to grant the former governor long life, good health, divine favour, and renewed strength, noting that Dr. Ikpeazu’s legacy of service, benefaction and humility in leadership remains exemplary, enduring and commendable.

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The Bold and Honest Truth That Unsettled Otti’s Camp.

By Uche Aguoru

Since Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, delivered what I have chosen to call “The Bold and Honest Truth” during the commissioning of the costliest road project per kilometre in Nigeria. the infamous Port Harcourt Road in Aba, the entire machinery of Governor Alex Otti’s government has been thrown into a frenzy. Instead of digesting the message and addressing the issues raised, the Otti camp has chosen to unleash their only potent weapon, abuse, lies, coordinated blackmail, and online mob outrage, directed not only at Ben Kalu, but at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu himself.

And the question remains: what did Ben Kalu say that rattled Otti’s handlers to this degree?

In his remarks, Ben Kalu displayed the very qualities that Governor Alex Otti dreads like a plaque, TRUTH.

He spoke like a true son of Abia, a man with nothing to prove and no interest to protect except that of the common people. His speech was not an insult, neither was it an affront; it was a patriotic wake-up call, a demand for accountability, performance, and transparency from a government that has so far thrived only on propaganda, deceit and self-praise.

But Governor Otti and his media choir, rather than reflect, went berserk, howling like wounded jackals, unleashing insults, and commissioning an online mob of headless and unthinking loyalists whose only qualification for service is the suspension of brain and the worship of fraud and tokenism.

Let's say it exactly the way it is: after over two years in power, Governor Otti has nothing tangible to display commensurate with the over ₦1 trillion that has flown into Abia’s coffers. The Abia of today is awash with photoshops and social media displays, not real governance. All we have seen are repainting of roofs, patching of roads and rebranding of projects initiated by past governments hastily packaged and labeled as “Otti’s vision.”

Not a single new project? No new hospital, no new schools, jobs are not being created, no clear evidence that the over ₦38 billion on average flowing into the states purse are being put to productive use? Instead, the Otti government hides behind an iron curtain of secrecy. Project costs are withheld, procurement processes are opaque, and Members of his government who dare to ask questions including commissioners, aides, civil servants are allegedly forced to resign or silenced into submission.

And yet, when a man of truth and intellect like Benjamin Kalu dares to speak, the government loses its composure. But truth, no matter how bitter, cannot be erased by noise. Otti’s intolerance for scrutiny is the loudest evidence of guilt.

The irony is that Abia today enjoys more federal presence than at any time in its history, not because of Otti’s effort, but because Ben Kalu is leveraging his national influence to bring development home. While Kalu is building bridges in Abuja, Otti is busy burning them in Abia with propaganda and lies, While Kalu is lobbying for federal projects, Otti’s media team is investing in digital insults and petty propaganda on Ben Kalu and President Tinubu.

The people of Abia did not elect an interior decorator whose job is to repaint and retrofit his predecessors projects neither did they elect a motivational speaker and skit maker, they elected a governor who they are looking upto to for improved welfare and measurable development.

After two full years in office, and with humongous allocations unprecedented in the history of Abia State, the time for excuses should long have expired. But sadly, while our neighbouring states of Imo, Anambra, and Enugu are celebrating monumental infrastructure, new industrial corridors, and transformative urban renewal projects, Governor Alex Otti is busy patching streets, repainting buildings, and refurbishing auditoriums constructed by his predecessors, then staging elaborate ceremonies to present them as great achievements.

And to crown the mockery, he shamelessly invites President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man of proven developmental vision to come and endorse mediocrity, underperformance, and blatant lack of accountability and transparency. How does a governor who has received more money than all the administrations in Abia’s history put together running into trillions justify his meagre, cosmetic output?

How does one explain the gulf between the massive inflows into the state’s purse and the embarrassingly low level of visible development on the ground?

Governor Otti you must understand that leadership is not about repainting walls and cutting ribbons on recycled projects; it is about legacy, vision, and measurable transformation. Abians did not elect you to resuscitate old paint jobs, they elected you to build a future worthy of their dreams.

So Mr Governor, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu did not attack you, he only demanded that you must stop hiding behind slogans, inflated contracts, and cosmetic facelifts. Stop weaponizing propaganda and social media intimidation, Show the people what you have done with their money. Publish your project costs. Explain why a government with huge record inflows has delivered nothing revolutionary.

Governor Otti, you should also remember that commissioning your data boys to insult people who dared to speak the truth is old fashioned and does not discourage us, also that propaganda last but for a while, transformative development requires honesty, discipline, and vision these are qualities your administration has so far failed to demonstrate.

Let me not fail to remind you that intimidating everyone with court action can never deter us from asking for accountability and transparency and we will never get tired of asking you to kindly provide evidence of the ₦54 billion schools you claim to have built. Abians are no longer hypnotized by sweet talk; they are watching, counting, and waiting.

In the end, history will remember Benjamin Kalu as the man who spoke truth to power when others trembled and Alex Otti as the man who mistook applause for achievement.

Aguoru
is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Abia Workers Still Paid ₦29,000 Despite #38bn Monthly Revenue Inflow and Wage Promises

In a twist of cruel irony, the Labour Party government in Abia elected on promises to defend workers and pensioners still pays its staff a miserable ₦29,000 monthly, even when the new national minimum wage stands at over ₦70,000.

At the Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), medical doctors earn about ₦240,000, while qualified nurses receive ₦80,000. These salaries fall far short of the ₦500,000 benchmark the government once promised for healthcare professionals. To make matters worse, more than 100 nurses and 40 doctors whose recruitment was publicly celebrated have reportedly not been paid since March 2025.

Those of us determined to checkmate the excesses of the Alex Otti-led administration which has proven to be long on propaganda and short on substance insist that this government must be measured by the enormous resources it now controls. Fuel subsidy removal quadrupled state allocations, giving Abia a monthly take home of ₦38 billion . By every measure, the state can afford to pay its workers decently and still retain N32billion .

Unfortunately, majority of these workers believes that the hardship they face is only caused by the APC Government led by Mr President , whom they accuse of introducing reforms without safety nets especially for the poor .

This is where the big questions arise: Why are Abia workers still being paid ₦29,000 when the Federal Government has already signed into law a ₦70,000 minimum wage? Why does Governor Alex Otti continue to mislead Abians by claiming he is paying the new minimum wage and ensuring frequent salary payments when evidence on the ground shows otherwise?

The state’s total monthly wage bill for both state and local government workers stands at about ₦6.9 billion far less than its FAAC inflow. This means salaries could be adjusted without straining the state’s finances. Instead, workers remain impoverished while the government spends billions on non existent projects: ₦6.5 billion on recreational facilities, ₦54 billion on renovations of unspecified schools, and N88billion running the Government from the Governors village.

A recent ABSUTH salary alert shared by a health worker exposes the grim reality, shattering the glossy image pushed by the government’s well funded content creators, bloggers, and skit makers. For many Abians, no amount of rhetoric or comparisons with past administrations can excuse the neglect of workers.

In a state with 18.7 percent unemploymen, the worst in Nigeria, the refusal to implement the new minimum wage and the deception around wage payments amount to not just a betrayal of trust, but a governance disaster.

The fundamental question remains: Why is Alex Otti lying to Abians about paying the new minimum wage when workers’ pay slips tell a completely different story?

The Nigeria Labour Congress( NLC) in Abia has been castrated and workers are afraid to protest as many who complained have been quietly sacked by the Government.

Until the government offers honest answers and takes corrective steps, the much-publicized “new Abia” will remain nothing but a social media fantasy.

Ujo Justice PhD
All Progressives Congress
Abia Stare

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