Chief Onuigbo Urges Abians To Avoid Sowing Discord And Support Unified Leadership For State Development
Chief Sam Onuigbo, the South East representative in the North East Development Commission, has urged Abians to refrain from actions that could create division among their leaders.
In a response to a statement attributed to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Benjamin Kalu, Chief Onuigbo expressed concern that the reactions to a video clip circulating on social media could distract from the collaboration between two prominent state leaders.
He described these leaders as political partners dedicated to the state’s development.
“When you have the kind of partnership I know exists between the Governor and the Deputy Speaker, it is crucial to avoid allowing external forces to disrupt their productive collaboration. Some individuals may want to exploit this situation to create conflict, but this should not be encouraged,” Onuigbo stated.
Chief Onuigbo emphasized that the Deputy Speaker’s call for support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be understood in context. He noted that Tinubu’s administration has made significant appointments of South Easterners to prominent positions, including the appointment of a Service Chief, which the region had not seen in the previous eight years. Additionally, Tinubu’s government facilitated the approval of the South East Development Commission, a bill that had previously stalled in the National Assembly.
“Anyone who has achieved this deserves recognition and encouragement to do more, so there is nothing wrong with the Deputy Speaker expressing support,” Onuigbo added.
Onuigbo also praised Governor Dr. Alex Otti for his efforts in enhancing the state’s infrastructure and for working across party lines to attract development to Abia.
“As a member of the APC, I have collaborated effectively with Governor Otti, who belongs to the Labour Party. I have seen him continue and complete several projects that I initiated during my time representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, and I am pleased with his commitment,” Onuigbo said.
He observed no signs of discord between Governor Otti and Deputy Speaker Kalu and urged them to stay focused on the state’s transformation, which he identified as the priority for the people of Abia.
Chief Onuigbo also commended the Governor’s decision to take over and put to use the Skills Acquisition Centre at Apumiri Ubakala in Umuahia South L.G.A, a project he attracted.
He also mentioned the Governor’s efforts in facilitating the Federal Secretariat project at Ekeoba, Umuahia North, and expressed hope that the federal government would soon complete critical segments of the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene road, benefiting the masses.