By Suleiman Anyalewechi
Past political office holders under the aegis of Abia State Executive National and State Legislative Members, on Friday, January 9, 2025 reaffirmed their commitment towards ensuring the success of the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as working for the electoral victory of all All Progressive Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.
This is as the body comprising past Governors, their Deputies, Senators, House of Representatives, members, State Legislative body, and Executive Council members, threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for the continued use of his personal residence as official Government House.
The meeting held at the residence of former Governor T A Orji, also had in attendance former Governors Orji Uzor Kalu ,Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu , Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Hon Nkiru Onyejiocha, as well as past National and State Assembly members.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting by Victor Ike Oye , the Forum expressed serious concern over Governor Alex Otti’s continued use of his private residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isialagwa South Local Council of the State since the advent of his administration more two years ago.
The Forum said it has resolved to mount a legal challenge , seeking to compel the Governor to operate from the State’s seat of power in Umuahia.
According to the past Abia leaders, the legal proceedings are intended to enforce compliance and established protocol in governance circle across the country, as well as address an obviously unacceptable breach of standard gubernatorial practices.
The coalition believes that the decision of Governor Otti to be using his private residence in his community has stripped Umuahia of its status as the state capital.
The Forum while pledging its unflinching support, and commitment towards the second term ambition of the President, also expressed its appreciation to him for the recent appointment of one its own, Dr Ikpeazu, as an Ambassador-designate
The Coalition which comprises mostly APC stalwarts , promised to unite and ensure the victory of all the party’s candidates in 2027.
Further speaking , Senator Orji Kalu who governed the state between 1999 and 2007 informed that the meeting was convened by former Governors , with a view to bringing past leaders of the state together so that the Abia state can benefit from experiences and convictions .
” The meeting brought together leaders of experience and conviction , including former state Governor Senator Theodore Orji ,the Minister of State for Labour Dr Nkiru Onyejiocha and a host of others to deliberate on issues affecting Abia state and the nation .
” After extensive deliberations, we unanimously endorsed the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and collectively resolved to work for the success of all APC candidates at all levels.
“These decisions reflect our shared belief in strong leadership, party unity and sustainable development.
“The engagement also enabled us to critically assess the state of governance in Abia state, exchange candid views and take decisions guided strictly by the over all best interest of well-meaning Abians .
“As leaders bound by experience and duty, we are united in purpose to advance the progress , unity and prosperity of Abia state and Nigeria”, Kalu post on his official site.
The Source further reports that the coalition’s meeting is coming on the heels of the battle of wits between Governor Otti and former Governor Kalu over the 2027 electoral contest .
While Senator Kalu has tended to rubbish most of the acclaimed achievements of the Otti administration, the Abia state Governor has been unsparing in his criticisms of the former Governor for being instrumental to the poor level of development in Abia state, following the shaky foundation he laid for the State.
Besides, the two have been threatening to undo each other during the 2027 general elections.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
