The Ikenga Gburugburu of Ohafia Ancient Kingdom and President of United Abia Artists and Patriots (UAAP) feels compelled to address the recent utterances of Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, which threaten the fabric of our democracy. We urge him to desist from making undemocratic statements, as Nigeria is not a one-party state.

We reject the notion that every governor must come from the APC simply because the party holds power at the center. This idea contradicts democratic principles and the rule of law. There is no law in Nigeria mandating governors to come from a particular party. The APC’s grip on power was achieved democratically, but this does not give them the right to dictate governors’ political affiliations.

Abia State, under Governor Alex Otti OFR of the Labour Party, is thriving and making progress, as Hon. Kalu has admitted. We urge him to refrain from distracting the government with premature talks of the 2027 election, as there is no vacancy in Abia Lion House in 2027. It is too early for such politicking, and the governor should focus on delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

Many have scrutinized the Southeast Development Commission Bill signed into law by President Tinubu. While the bill may appear to be a gesture of goodwill, many suspect it may be another APC ploy to woo the region. The bill’s funding mechanism raises concerns about its true purpose. We demand clarity on the implementation, ensuring it benefits the Southeast region and not just APC allies.

We are concerned that the bill may be another avenue sponsored by APC to compensate political allies with money from Southeast States. This would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in the government by the people of the Southeast. We call on Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu to make the Southeast people understand the bill better by addressing the funding sources.

His interest should be in the welfare of Ndị-Abia, not the ego of APC. It is unacceptable for a man of his office to prioritize party interests over the well-being of our people.

In conclusion, the United Abia Artists and Patriots supports Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR, whose leadership has turned the fortunes of Abia for the best. Every well-meaning citizen should support Dr. Alex Otti’s industrialization of the state rather than placing political ego above reality.

Signed,

Ambassador Dr. Osita Offor “De Ultimate Commander”
President, United Abia Artistes and Patriots Forum (UAAP)