Politics
Abia Still in Bondage: ‘Egyptian’ Leadership Thrives in the Promised Land
There is, in truth, no fundamental difference between the so-called “Old Abia” and the “New Abia,” except that those who parade themselves as the new Abia are far more sophisticated in packaging, optics, and sustaining propaganda. Beneath the glossy narratives lies the same familiar rot.
If anything, the current administration is performing worse, only that it has mastered the art of concealment, especially in the optics of governance. I recall vividly in 2022 when APC stakeholders convened all governorship aspirants at Senator Adieje’s residence in Asokoro for presentations aimed at screening and streamlining the field. The aspirants present at that meeting were Alex Otti, Uche Ogah, Paul Ikonne, Emeka Atuma, and myself.
At that gathering, I shared with fellow aspirants an extract from Abia State’s budget performance report, which revealed that the Ikpeazu administration spent approximately ₦1.2 billion on private jets, ticketing and travels Many of us were genuinely disappointed. We believed that reliance on commercial flights would have saved Abians millions, funds that could have been channelled into real development.
Fast-forward to today, the Abia State Government has reportedly spent over ₦18 billion on private jet services and travels. The only difference now is an internal rule barring officials from taking pictures that expose their movements by private jet. In the past, officials proudly posed with pilots to showcase their luxury travels. As one of our revered leaders, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, once said, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Ironically, credit must be given where it is due. Thanks to the institutional reforms of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Abia’s combined state and local government revenue has risen astronomically, from about ₦8 billion to a staggering ₦60 billion monthly, as reflected in the Q4 2025 Abia State Budget Performance Report (October to December).
It therefore follows logically that if Alex Otti had assumed office in 2015, when total revenue stood at a paltry ₦3.6 billion, his administration, judging by current financial recklessness, would have performed far worse than previous governments.
This raises a fundamental question. Despite receiving about ₦60 billion monthly, why has the Otti government refused to fully implement the ₦70,000 new minimum wage? If not for sheer wickedness, why would a government fully aware of the economic hardship caused by ongoing reforms deliberately deny workers their lawful wages?
A Government elected on the Labour Party platform, one that ought to champion workers’ welfare, has shockingly turned around to shortchange its own workforce.
While APC and Mr. President bears the brunt of public anger arising from these tough reforms. Governors conveniently take credit for the gains, particularly in Abia. As far back as August 2025, I raised alarm over the injustice at Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), where junior staff earned as little as ₦29,000 monthly, while newly recruited nurses were paid ₦80,000. Meanwhile, their counterparts in Imo State earn up to ₦300,000 despite facing equal or greater occupational hazards.
The public exposure of this scandal embarrassed the Abia State Government into action. A memo for upward review was hurriedly raised, and within days the institution’s management worked round the clock to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage, still far below what other states now pay, ₦90,000, ₦104,000, and above.
More recently, I discovered that road sweepers engaged by the Abia State Government (Abia state environmental protection agency)earn a miserable ₦23,000 monthly, while their supervisors earn ₦47,000. Staff of the Abia State Advertising Agency reportedly earn ₦55,000. To be clear, environmental sanitation is one area where this government has performed comparatively well. However, it borders on cruelty that road sweepers, mostly widows, widowers, and orphans, are subjected to such degrading wages, often unpaid promptly, despite the health risks involved. Their counterparts in Enugu State earn ₦80,000, while supervisors earn ₦120,000.
How does the Otti government expect Abia sweepers to survive on ₦23,000 in today’s Nigeria? Are they not employees of the state or its agents? How can a government claim to be fighting poverty while institutionalizing starvation wages?
During a particular National Economic council (NEC)meeting last year 2025, though chaired by the Vice President, the President , Sen Ahmed Tinubu, attended in person simply to tell the Governors to water the grassroots. This means cascade these huge funds at their disposal to the poorest of the poor in their various States.
It is estimated that the total monthly wage bill of Abia State and its local governments does not exceed ₦10 billion. What, then, is being done with the remaining ₦50 billion monthly revenue?
I still cannot comprehend why this Government finds it so difficult to improve the welfare of workers and pensioners. Their constant excuse is inherited arrears, yet they boast of paying salaries on the 28th of every month, as though prompt payment of inadequate wages is a favour. This is happening even as federal allocations have increased significantly.
The painful truth remains. Had this administration governed Abia in 2015 with only ₦3.6 billion monthly revenue, the outcome would have been catastrophic.
The “Egyptians” may well be laughing at us. Nothing substantial has changed, except the reported ₦560 million monthly spent on skit makers to manufacture an imaginary Abia adorned with painted roads. Workers and pensioners denied gratuities may even remember their days in “Egypt” with nostalgia. They were owed, yes, but once paid, the money still meant something.
To date, arrears remain unpaid at Abia Polytechnic, Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic. ABSU lecturers were paid only fractions of their outstanding salaries, labelled as full and final settlement. Today, a professor at Abia State University earns about ₦520,000 monthly, while counterparts in sister state universities earn up to ₦1.2 million. Many professors in Abia State University are effectively paid on senior lecturers’ scales elsewhere, not even reader level.
This reality explains the pervasive hunger in Abia, even among workers. The Government shut down informal survival channels under the TSA regime, which previously helped families cope even when owed for months.
The administration campaigned on prompt salary payments and improved welfare to increase the velocity of money in Abia State. Yet that velocity remains elusive when 99 percent of contractors in Abia are non-Abians with no offices in the state. The money leaves Abia almost as soon as it arrives, fueling hunger despite ₦60 billion monthly revenue.
And on the The Poor Quality of Work on the Umuikaa–Owerrinta 4km Road; Last week, I visited my village and observed the slow and substandard pace of work on the Umuikaa–Owerrinta Truck A federal road being undertaken by Abia State Government. Meanwhile, Arab Contractors, handling the Imo bridge to Imo Airport junction, is delivering far superior quality.
The rush to commence this 4km stretch appears linked to the ₦15 billion claimed as compensation in Abia State’s 2024 financial report. My late father’s house was demolished, and I had no objection, believing it served development. However, I was shocked to receive just ₦1 million as compensation from the ₦15 billion claimed.
We conducted independent inquiries among affected homeowners from Umuikaa to Owerrinta bridge. Our findings showed that only about ₦230 million was paid to actual beneficiaries of those house owners along that corridor out of the ₦15 billion claimed as compensation in 2024.
I still wonder why a government that swiftly paid ₦15 billion in compensation in 2024 and ₦14.5 billion for land and housing in 2025, though many land owners complained about non receipts of payments till date cannot adequately fund a major road project. Dangote cement trailers were seen manually discharging chippings, with young boys using shovels to spread them, an appalling sight for a Trunk A road. ( pictures attached)
Why engage a local contractor for such a critical road or even use direct labour while contract sums remain shrouded in secrecy? It would have been far better to allow Arab Contractors to handle the project. Even the drainage near the bridge was manually excavated.
The real difference between Egypt and this supposed Canaan is that, before, funds were allegedly used to maintain key stakeholders beyond being used to run the Government. Today, one individual allegedly pockets everything while telling supporters, “we dont share money ” Who is deceiving who.
As Phyno sang, you cannot counsel a rigid leader. But Ekwedike will continue to hold this government accountable. The days ahead promise to be very revealing.
On a lighter note, I watched Abia State Executive Council members excitedly take photos of Enugu State’s 360-room Marriott Hotel project during the South East Development Commission stakeholders’ meeting last week. I laughed in Swahili. Back home, Enyimba Hotel remains a 3D drawing after four announced take-off dates.
The penchant for the media aides of the Governor to use exchange rate as an excuse why they are yet to have any legacy project in Abia after three years is laughable. Gov Hope Uzodinma just commissioned 15MVA Orashi Power on record time using the same Nigerian Naira without noise and kit makers.
It was refreshing to see them step out of Umuahia and witness governance in another state beyond audio promises and endless MOUs.
Obinna Oriaku
Former Commissioner for Finance Abia State 2015 to 2019.
A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu has nullified the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) primary election for Enugu West Senatorial District, ruling that no valid primary was conducted and directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disregard Hon. Uche Eneh as the party’s candidate.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Segun-Bello in suit No. FHC/EN/C’S/153/2026, following a legal challenge instituted by Barr. Ugochi Ohajekwe, who is aligned with the Dr. Johnpaul Anih-led Enugu State Working Committee of the party.
The court held that the NDC National Working Committee (NWC), which is legally empowered to conduct the party’s primary under the Electoral Act, did not organise any primary election for the senatorial district on May 29, 2026.
Justice Segun-Bello consequently ruled that the primary purportedly conducted by the state working committee was invalid, stressing that the committee lacked the legal authority to organise the exercise.
The judge further declared that no valid primary election was conducted by the NDC for Enugu West Senatorial District.
The suit was filed by Ohajekwe through her counsel, Kelvin Eya, Esq., who argued that the party’s national leadership failed to conduct a valid primary election in Enugu State.
She maintained that the only exercise held was organised by the state chapter under the leadership of Dr. Johnpaul Anih and challenged the process through which Eneh emerged as the party’s senatorial candidate.
The court also nullified INEC’s publication of Eneh’s name and ordered the commission to disregard him as the NDC candidate for the district.
The judgment came days after another Federal High Court sitting in Abuja removed Hon. John Nwokeabia as the NDC candidate for Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency and declared Hon. Chijioke Okereke the duly elected candidate.
Reacting to the Enugu judgment, the NDC State Secretary, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, described the ruling as a victory for democracy.
Okafor accused the party’s National Working Committee of working against the presidential ambition of Mr. Peter Obi, alleging that its failure to conduct primaries in the state or initiate meaningful reconciliation had exposed its undemocratic approach.
He said the judgment had vindicated the position of the state leadership, adding that although the ruling might appear to be a setback for the party, it would strengthen internal democracy and discourage the violation of members’ rights.
According to him, the judiciary has once again demonstrated that no individual or group is above the law, stressing that political parties must respect fairness, transparency, equity and the rights of their members.
He described the judgment as a warning to party leaders against imposing candidates without following due process.
Okafor also warned that continued disregard for the Electoral Act and the legitimate aspirations of party members could undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
The latest ruling adds to the legal disputes surrounding the NDC’s candidate-selection process in Enugu State, with the party’s national and state leaderships facing continuing disagreements over the conduct of its primaries.
Politics
‘The Lord Fights for the Righteous’ – Agbese Speaks on Quiet Project Delivery, Political Attacks and More
Honourable Ibrahim Sani Bsc
Hon. Philip Agbese, the member representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency and Labour Party leader in Benue State, has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering tangible results as the general elections approach.
While seeking re-election, the lawmaker insisted that his focus remains on the work rather than political distractions or personal glory.
Agbese said a responsible lawmaker must keep working without being drawn into the negative campaigns and underhand tactics of rivals.
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives says he draws quiet strength from his faith and prefers to leave every battle in God’s hands.
“The best advert for the kind of massive projects we have executed come from the people, not self-glorification,” Agbese stated.
“I deliberately refused to blow my own trumpet all these three years. I am grateful that critical segments of the society have taken notice of our monumental development projects.”
He added, “A good lawmaker works day and night and is not bothered by political opponents. I believe in the scripture that says we should leave vengeance to God. As it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.’ The Lord fights for the righteous.
“From the onset, we made education a clear priority and by the grace of God, we are delivering. We have so far built seven schools across the constituency, all constructed to international standard and fitted with tiles for the children.
“The record is there. Among them is the first one-storey primary school in our federal constituency. Many of our projects have come under heavy attacks but thank God that in the end, light has prevailed.”
Beyond education, his interventions also include health and market facilities, ICT training and empowerment for the youths, a befitting royal home for a monarch, solar electrification, farm inputs and equipment, as well as recreation, sports and agricultural support.
Despite the volume of work, Agbese is known for shunning fanfare. He rarely commissions his own projects and is often already planning the next one once delivery is complete.
“I am not the kind of person who loves to show off, especially when there is still more work to be done. That is why I hardly commission my own projects,” Agbese explained.
“Each time a project is delivered, I am already looking forward to starting the next one and not taking glory. I dread fanfare and do not love the spotlight like many others. The work itself is what matters.”
Beyond constituency projects, Agbese has built a strong legislative record in the National Assembly.
He holds the distinction of moving the highest number of motions and bills by any lawmaker from Benue State, including the Bill for the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Agila, which has already been passed.
He has also been a consistent voice on national issues, notably championing equal national honours for the Senate President and the Speaker, and taking a frontline position during the state of emergency debates in Rivers State.
“The work continues with the same energy,” Agbese noted. “Whether it is constituency projects, motions, bills or standing up on issues of national importance, the responsibility is the same — to serve effectively and without distraction. We remain committed to the people of Ado, Okpokwu and Ogbadibo.”
Politics
2027: Tomorrow Is Here Group Rallies Thousands of Nsukka’s Voters for APC, Mbah, Tinubu’s Re-elections
…Our zone has settled for APC, can’t be deceived again – Igboetiti boss
The Tomorrow Is Here Movement (THM), a prominent political support group in Enugu State, has mobilised thousands of voters across Enugu North Senatorial District, popularly known as Nsukka Zone, in support of the re-election of Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
The mobilisation, which featured a victory walk across several communities in the district, attracted thousands of residents and supporters, with political leaders declaring that the zone was increasingly aligning with the APC ahead of the elections.
The Executive Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area, Hon. Martins Ugwu-Amadieze, reaffirmed the commitment of the zone to the APC, insisting that Nsukka voters would no longer be deceived by politicians without credible development agendas.
The rally, tagged “Victory Walk for All APC Candidates in Enugu North Senatorial Zone,” commenced at Opi, Nsukka, and proceeded through Orba, Obollo-Afor and Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area, before extending to Ogrute, Enugu-Ezike, in Igboeze North; Ibagwa-Aka in Igboeze South and other communities in Nsukka Local Government Area.
Speaking during the exercise on Monday, the Leader of the movement, Chief Tony Okonkwo, thanked the people for their massive participation, disclosing that the mobilisation, initially planned for about 200 persons, attracted thousands of supporters.
He attributed the turnout to the growing acceptance of the Mbah and Tinubu administrations, citing infrastructure development, educational interventions, healthcare delivery, agricultural empowerment and improved transportation.
“We were not prepared to see this number of people enduring a long walk across different parts of the zone that took several hours. Your presence today shows appreciation for what Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu are doing.
“The ongoing dual carriageway from 9th Mile through Igbo-Etiti, Nsukka and Udenu to Benue is a major infrastructure investment that will transform our communities. Nsukka has also produced its first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Professor Simon Ortuanya, after 50 years. Our people are benefiting from federal appointments, agricultural programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund.
“Under Governor Mbah, we have witnessed improved security, Smart Green Schools in every ward, modern healthcare facilities and ongoing road projects. Over 50 CNG buses are also operating from the Nsukka Central Terminal, providing affordable transportation and security to passengers.
“These are visible interventions. We are glad that our people are embracing the APC. The good work must continue, and this is possible if we support the APC from the Presidency to the House of Assembly,” he said.
In his remarks, Ugwu-Amadieze urged voters to reject attempts by opposition politicians to exploit tribal sentiments and political emotions ahead of the 2027 elections, insisting that the APC had demonstrated greater commitment to the development of the zone.
He said the massive turnout at the victory walk reflected the willingness of residents to identify with Governor Mbah, President Tinubu and other APC candidates.
“What happened today was a victory walk for Governor Peter Mbah, President Bola Tinubu and all APC candidates in the zone. From what we have witnessed across Nsukka, I can boldly tell you that our people are happy to identify with Governor Peter Mbah.
“Our zone has settled for APC. We cannot be deceived again by politicians who have no clear agenda for our people. Our people have embraced the ideology behind the broom and are ready to vote for all APC candidates.
“When we approached Governor Mbah with two requests; to assist in securing the Vice-Chancellorship of the University of Nigeria for an indigene of Nsukka and to consider the dualisation of the Penoks–Nike–Ugwogo–Ekwegbe–Opi–Nsukka road, little did we know that he would exceed our expectations within a short period of time. That has never happened in the history of our zone. The people of Nsukka are prepared to reciprocate his commitment through their votes in 2027,” he declared.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Igboeze North Local Government Area, Dr. Chris Onyekachi, reaffirmed his people’s support for the APC, attributing increased financial capacity of subnational governments to the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration.
He said improved allocations to state and local governments had created opportunities for increased development interventions and infrastructure delivery at the grassroots, urging residents to support the continuity of the ongoing reforms.
Similarly, the Deputy ALGON Chairman and council boss of Igboeze South Local Government Area, Barr. Ferdinand Ukwueze, said the achievements of the Mbah administration and interventions by local government councils had demonstrated the APC’s capacity to deliver development.
He expressed confidence that the party would secure victory across the senatorial district in 2027, assuring that APC candidates would receive massive support from voters in the zone.
Among dignitaries who attended the rally were the APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; APC State Financial Secretary, Hon. Ejike Idodo; Deputy Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ezenta Ezeani; Dan Shere; William Amuta; Hon. Favour Asogwa; and the Deputy Mayors of Udenu and Igboeze South Local Government Areas.
Others included Chief Chukwukwurote Odo, popularly known as Messiah na Nsukka; Hon. Mrs. Nkiru Ugwuagu, Deputy Mayor of Ezeagu Local Government Area; Vitalis Okonkwo (Oil Money), Special Personal Assistant on Grassroots Mobilisation; Osita Ajih; Local Government Coordinators of the Tomorrow Is Here Movement; and several other APC and THM faithful.
2027: At last NDC Speaks On Peter Obi’s Healt
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns over the health of its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the former Anambra State governor is in good health but requires adequate rest due to exhaustion from his demanding political schedule.
The party’s Deputy Campaign Spokesperson, Dr Sam Omale, gave the clarification during an interview on Channels Television, explaining that Obi’s frequent travels, hectic engagements and commitment to political activities had taken a toll on his energy.
According to Omale, the former governor maintains a demanding routine, often travelling between different locations within short periods while attending to numerous political and other responsibilities.
He noted that Obi hardly has enough time to rest, considering the intensity of his engagements and the energy he devotes to his political activities.
Omale expressed amazement at the presidential candidate’s ability to sustain such a hectic schedule, given the number of places he visits and the volume of activities he undertakes daily.
He, however, stressed that Obi’s need for adequate rest should not be interpreted as a sign of ill health, maintaining that the concern was primarily about physical exhaustion arising from his demanding schedule.
The party’s clarification comes amid public concerns over the presidential candidate’s health as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has said he and former governor Peter Obi remain close friends despite their political differences.
Soludo made the clarification during an interview with BBC News Igbo on Monday, where he addressed recent disagreements between his administration and Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The governor said the relationship between their families remained cordial, stressing that their political disagreements had not affected their personal relationship.
“Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms,” Soludo said.
He added that although they had different political interests, both men understood that politics should not define their personal relationship.
“When it comes to politics, give me mine, give him his. It’s politics that is being done,” he added.
Soludo said Obi’s decision to support another candidate during the last Anambra governorship election did not affect their relationship, noting that he eventually secured victory.
“He has someone he thinks should be the governor of Anambra. I am also listening. He supported the person he wanted. But I won by the grace of God,” he said.
Obi governed Anambra State for two terms between March 2006 and March 2014 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Soludo also disclosed that he personally invited Obi to join APGA in March 2022 to contest the 2023 presidential election.
According to him, the invitation was made at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, with the broader objective of mobilising the Igbo people politically.
“It was me myself who invited him to APGA so he could run, early March 2022 at Nnamdi Azikiwe University,” he said.
The governor, however, explained that he later withdrew his support for Obi’s presidential ambition because he believed his candidacy could weaken the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and improve the electoral chances of President Bola Tinubu.
“In fact, I also wrote to him that his participation would take away a lot of votes from the PDP and make it easier for Tinubu to win,” Soludo said.
He further argued that even a united opposition might struggle to defeat an incumbent administration, noting that political alliances alone do not guarantee electoral victory.
Soludo’s comments come amid a disagreement between the Anambra State Government and Obi over the state’s debt profile.
The controversy followed a September 14 statement by the state Commissioner for Finance, Izuchukwu Okafor, who said the state was still repaying loans obtained by previous administrations, including those of Obi and his successor, Willie Obiano.
Obi rejected the claim, insisting that he left no outstanding debts when he left office. He also maintained that his administration did not owe salaries, pensions or contractors and left N2.1 billion in the state’s ecological fund.
However, the state government subsequently disputed his account, alleging that Obi left $123.77 million in debt.
Amid the exchange, Obi said there was no personal disagreement between him and Soludo, adding that he and his wife were godparents to the governor’s children.
Soludo’s latest remarks appear to reaffirm his position that the disagreement between them is political rather than personal.
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