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.
The Oyo State Government has denied reports claiming it paid ransom to secure the release of pupils and teachers abducted by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, describing the allegation as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the claim was “far from the truth” and accused “irresponsible bloggers” of deliberately spreading misinformation to confuse the public.
“Although both the Oyo State and Federal Governments have been making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of the abducted children and their teachers, no ransom has been paid to the bandits, either directly or indirectly,” Oyelade stated.
He urged residents to disregard the reports and rely only on information released through official government channels.
The commissioner added that the Oyo State Government is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe release of the abductees and bring the incident to a successful conclusion.
The pupils and teachers were abducted on May 15 when armed bandits attacked three schools in the Yawota and Ahoro-Esienle communities of Oriire Local Government Area. The coordinated attack also claimed the life of a teacher.
The victims have remained in captivity since the attack, while the Oyo State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies continue efforts to secure their freedom.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has dismissed reports that aggrieved aspirants who lost the party’s primary elections are plotting to work against its candidates in the 2027 general elections.
Following the conclusion of the party’s primaries a few weeks ago, reports had alleged that some unsuccessful aspirants were considering supporting candidates of other political parties in protest, with the aim of undermining APGA’s chances at the polls.
However, APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the claims as false, insisting that the party remains united after a reconciliation meeting convened by Governor Charles Soludo.
“I am hearing this from you. As a party, we have not received any report of such a plot. Let me state clearly that all the aspirants have resolved to work for the success of the party in the 2027 general elections,” Opara said.
He explained that during the meeting held at the Light House in Awka, aspirants and candidates openly discussed issues arising from the primaries, stressing that none of the participants accused the party of conducting an unfair or non-transparent process.
“Everyone expressed their views about the primary elections. No one alleged that the process lacked transparency. The only concern expressed was that each aspirant had hoped to emerge victorious.
“At the end of the meeting, every misunderstanding, anxiety and misgiving surrounding the primaries was resolved, and the party remains one united family,” he added.
Opara also warned opposition parties against what he described as deliberate attempts to spread falsehoods and create disaffection within APGA.
He cautioned individuals engaging in cyberbullying and name-dropping for political purposes to desist, warning that the party would not hesitate to pursue legal action against anyone found defaming its members.
“This is nothing but cheap blackmail by the opposition. They should be mindful of the legal consequences of cyberbullying and name-dropping. We urge our party faithful and the general public to disregard these spurious reports,” he said.
This version improves grammar, flow, attribution, and readability while preserving the substance of the original report.
Former Minister Uche Nnaji
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, for an initial 14 days as investigations into alleged certificate forgery continue.
The remand order followed Nnaji’s arrest on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after he arrived from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
According to an official of the anti-graft agency, the court-approved remand will enable investigators to interrogate the former minister over the allegations, with the possibility of seeking an extension should further investigation require additional time.
Nnaji was apprehended following the execution of a bench warrant earlier issued by the Federal High Court after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended by the commission.
The ICPC subsequently confirmed the arrest in an official statement signed by its spokesperson, John Odey, stating that the former minister is in the commission’s custody as investigations continue into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening process.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Despite the Federal High Court pronouncement against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in Anambra state, the National Working Committee( NWC) of the party has issued nomination forms to candidates of the National and state Assemblies of the party .
Recall that the Federal High Court Abuja had ruled that Sen Emma Anosike is not the Chairman of the party; a judgement that is unsettling party in the area which the plaintiffs denied knowledge of the suit insisting that it is a kangaroo pronouncement.
The affected state executive members, Bright Osemeka, Mrs Ify Chinwoko Nzekwe and Amaechi Chinweze had contended that they never filed any action challenging the leadership of Sen Emma Anosike adding that they remain loyal to the Anosike led executive.
According to the Deputy National Organizing Secretary of the party Mr Emeka Okafor ;
“The Federal High Court pronounent did not mention the nominated candidates of the party for the National and state Assembly elections and we have issued nomination forms to the candidates”
“Again the matter neither joined the nominated candidates nor had any legal position on the primary elections of the party in Anambra state hence the nominated candidates remain our candidates for Anambra state ” he said.
Recall that Sen Emma Anosike as at the period of the primary elections was the Chairman of the party an exercise that was adjudged peaceful and transparent by the National Working Committee of the party and the Election Committee sent to the state by the Leadership of the party in Abuja .
Similarly, the expelled members of the party did not take part in the election following the suit filed by them against the party in Anambra state.
They were suspended by the party because the party found out that they did not explore the laid down avenues of conflict or dispute resolutions before heading to the Court which the party stated that it is against the constitution of the party which also stipulates outright expulsion.
Meanwhile it is not clear if the said Chairman of the party who the Court endorsed has taken over the party Secretarate in Awka , nor has he convened any meeting of the party; a development that has deepened the unsettled state of affairs of the party .
It is however gathered that sustained legal battle is on in Abuja over the said judgement as the crisis lasts .
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Structures belonging the trio of People’s Democratic Party PDP, All Progressives Congress APC and Nigeria Democratic Congress NDC have been collapsed into the candidacy of Chief Chukwudi Oli of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for Dunukofia – Njikoka -Ananocha Federal Constituency.
The development followed the adoption of his candidacy by a group made up of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and, Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Njikoka LGA, which is part of federal constituency.
Members of the group declared their support for Oli during a consultative meeting they held with the APGA House of Representatives candidate’s campaign organisation held at Abagana yesterday.
Members of the campaign organisation which is headed by a former chairman of Njikoka LGA as the Director-general (DG), Hon. George Ozor present at the meeting received the three structures into the fold of the organization.
In their separate speeches on behalf of members of the group, the leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and , chairman, Mr. Onyenechi Ezeaso stated that they decided to throw their support behind Oli because of his proven passion and commitment toward the progress of the various communities within the federal constituency, and, humanity at large.
”In this our group, some of us are members of the PDP, APC, NDC, and, other political parties.
”But we decided to come together, to support you because we are convinced that by supporting you, we are working for ourselves because we know that you are going to work for the progress of DNA (Dunukofia/Njikoka/ Anaocha federal constituency) when you get to the House of Representatives.
”We don’t want to allow selfish politicians who have been deceiving our people to win election in this federal constituency, again, because they have deceived us enough “, Ejiamatu stated further.
Also, in his speech, Ezeaso made it clear that the group was not an APGA political group, adding that the support of the members for the party’s House of Representatives candidate in the federal constituency did not mean that the members of his group have adopted all APGA candidates.
Expressing gratitude to members of the group for trusting him, Oli pledged that he would not disappoint them if elected.
He said that his political mantra was anchored on “accountability, transparency, togetherness, and, touching lives”.
He vowed that if elected into the House of Representatives he would not use his position to pursue personal gains, but, would deploy his capacity and influence to the development of the federal constituency while awaiting for the divine reward.Stating that he would be guided by the philosophy of his mentor, the state-born popular oil mongul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, Oli pledged that when elected the ordinary people in the federal constituency would breath fresh air, and, life made worth living for them.
Chairman of the campaign organisation, Chief Ozor, and, chairman of APGA in Njikoka LGA, Hon. Chinedu Anakwe eulogised members of the group for the confidence they reposed in Oli.
”We know that this federal constituency election will be one of the toughest elections in Anambra state, but, because we know the capacity of your leader, Ozo Ejiamatu, and, some of you we have no doubt that the fight has been made a lot easier and our victory assured”, Ozor stated.
The APGA chairman in Njikoka described the support of members of the group as a source of great courage, and, moral boost for the party and the House of Representatives candidate, and, indeed, other candidates of the party in the area, including for the senate , Hon Dozie Nwankwo.
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