…Says Political Leadership Is A Call To Service, Not Self-Enrichment
Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has charged leaders and members of the Labour Party in Arochukwu Local Government Area to strengthen the party’s grassroots structures, maintain unity and remain committed to serving the people.
Otti gave the charge on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Civic Centre, Arochukwu, during a special gathering of the Labour Party in the local government, which also witnessed the formal admission of members of opposition political parties into the Labour Party.
The Governor was represented at the event by his Deputy, His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, who welcomed the new members into the Labour Party and urged them to bring their ideas, experience, energy and commitment to bear in strengthening the party.
Emetu, however, urged the new entrants to embrace the constitution, principles, discipline and organisational structures of the party.
He explained that the gathering was not merely about political personalities, but about building a strong political organisation, strengthening grassroots structures and preparing members for the responsibilities that come with political leadership.
“A political party’s real strength is built at the grassroots: polling unit, ward and community levels. I therefore urge our leaders and party executives to return continuously to the grassroots. Engage our people. Listen to their concerns. Mobilise our youths. Empower and encourage our women. Keep our party structures active and ensure that every member feels valued and respected,” Emetu said.
The Deputy Governor also charged political candidates to remain humble, accessible and connected to their communities, stressing that securing a party ticket should be regarded as the beginning of an obligation to serve rather than an end in itself.
He urged candidates to work closely with party leadership and ensure that their individual aspirations remained aligned with the organisational objectives of the party.
According to him, the responsibility of political leaders extends beyond elections to contributing meaningfully to the development of Abia State.
Emetu observed that the administration of Governor Otti remains focused on institution-building, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, economic opportunities and sustainable development.
He added that political structures should complement governance by maintaining a direct connection between government and the people.
“Above all, let us always remember that political leadership is not an opportunity for self-enrichment, but a call to serve humanity. I urge all of you to remain committed, disciplined and united as we move forward,” he said.
Emetu further called on the people of Arochukwu to make the local government an example of political organisation, discipline, unity and commitment to service.
Okoro Kalu Calls For Unity Ahead Of 2027
Speaking in his goodwill message, the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency and Majority Leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Okoro Kalu, commended Governor Otti for what he described as his development efforts across the State and the cordial relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government.
Okoro Kalu urged the people to remain united and support the administration’s development agenda, while calling on Labour Party members to work collectively as the 2027 general elections approach.
Bourdex Highlights Priorities For Abia North
In his address, the Labour Party candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, described the gathering as an opportunity to discuss a new direction for Abia North.
He identified infrastructure, telecommunications, electricity, digital connectivity and economic opportunities as areas requiring sustained attention.
Bourdex maintained that political representation should go beyond occupying elective positions to establishing practical connections between government institutions and communities.
He said his experience in business, telecommunications and local government administration had shaped his approach to public service, maintaining that public office should be regarded as a responsibility to the people.
He also called for political campaigns to focus on candidates’ records, ideas and programmes rather than personalities and old political divisions.
Labour Party Chairman Welcomes New Members
In his welcome address, the Arochukwu Local Government Area Labour Party Chairman, Mazi G.N. Onuoha, appreciated the new members for identifying with the party.
He described the Labour Party as a platform capable of accommodating people from different political backgrounds.
According to him, the party’s organisational structure was designed to accommodate new entrants without discrimination between existing members and those joining from other political platforms.
Eze Aru: Arochukwu Engagements To Cover Five Clans
The Mayor of Arochukwu Local Government Area, Prof. Chibuike Okereke Eze Aru, in his opening address, said the gathering was the first in a series of engagements planned across the five clans in the local government.
Eze Aru said the event was part of efforts to demonstrate the local government’s preparedness for the 2027 elections, while formally welcoming the new members into the Labour Party.
Oti Highlights Ongoing, Completed Arochukwu Projects
The Leader of Political Appointees in Arochukwu LGA and Commissioner for Works, Engr. Don Otumchere Oti, highlighted ongoing and completed infrastructure projects in Arochukwu and surrounding communities under the present administration.
Oti said a bridge project had been completed in four months against an initial six-month schedule, while the 30-kilometre Nzwaba-Arochukwu Road was completed in less than two years.
He added that the ongoing Bende-Ndimoko-Ndi Okereke-Okobo Road project, when completed, was expected to reduce the distance between Umuahia and Arochukwu to about 56 kilometres and bring travel time to approximately 45 minutes.
The Commissioner also disclosed that 16 internal roads were being developed or completed in Arochukwu, including roads around the General Hospital, while tenders had been opened for the Amuru-St. Paul’s-Isu Road project.
Opposition Members Formally Join Labour Party
The new members from opposition political parties were formally admitted into the Labour Party by the National Secretary of the party, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, and received by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu.
Speaking on behalf of the new members, Barrister Mrs. Priscilla Emeham thanked Governor Otti and the leadership of the Labour Party for welcoming and accommodating them.
Emeham said the achievements of the Otti administration were evident across the State and stated that their decision to align with the administration’s vision was a step in the right direction.
She pledged the “unalloyed support” of the new members to the Otti administration and expressed their readiness to contribute to the development agenda of the State.
In his vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mazi Mike Akpara, appreciated Governor Otti and the Deputy Governor for the good works they are doing in the State and assured the Deputy Governor of the support of the people of Arochukwu.
The event was attended by government appointees from Arochukwu LGA, including Hon. Chinenye Nwaka, SSA on Women Affairs; Mazi Ogbonnia Okereke, General Manager, ASEPA; Mr. Isaac Chimereze Okoro, MD/CEO, Abia State Microfinance and SME Bank; Dr. Iroy Orji, Commissioner, ABSCS; Dr. Steve Ochonma, Commissioner, ABSHAC; Prof. Idowu Eluwa, Provost, ASCETA; leaders and stakeholders of the Labour Party, traditional rulers and other party faithful.
Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
September 18, 2026
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