By Uche Aguoru
In a disturbing turn of events, the political landscape in Abia State has taken a dive into absurdity and authoritarianism. Yesterday, at the instruction of Governor Alex Otti, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Uzo Nwachukwu, reportedly summoned His Royal Majesty Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu to answer for the “crime” of leading fellow royal fathers from the South East on a courtesy visit to thank the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his effort in bringing about the South East Development Commission and why the delegation dared to express support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration without the governor’s approval.
Let that sink in.
Traditional rulers who are custodians of culture and voices of the grassroots are now being harassed and interrogated for exercising their constitutional right to associate freely.
Eze Ofoegbu, in his defense, rightly pointed out that neither he nor his colleagues broke any law by visiting a federal official or supporting the current president. Yet, the commissioner insisted it violated a so-called “New Abia Code of Conduct,” a policy that, by all implications, positions the governor as a political overlord rather than a democratic leader and threatened to suspend and depose him.
The question that must now be asked is: when did Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu become an “enemy of the state”? This is a man who, from his federal position, has used his office to attract development to Abia and the entire Southeast. His commitment to the region is evident, his popularity across party lines unquestionable. And yet, his rising profile seems to have struck fear in the heart of Governor Otti.
Across the country, leaders are rising above petty party politics in favor of unity and progress. In Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno is working hand-in-hand with Senate President Akpabio to leverage federal power for state development. In Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah is collaborating closely with APC Minister Uche Nnaji and our Benjamin Kalu to build a stronger state without feeling threatened even when he is in PDP. But in Abia, Governor Otti appears more concerned with suppressing opposition than fostering development.
This overreach is not just undemocratic,it is dangerous. How can a state government declare a sitting Deputy Speaker, the sixth-highest-ranking public official in Nigeria, an “enemy of the state “ simply for receiving traditional leaders or being aligned with the presidency? Is governance now a matter of loyalty to the governor, rather than to the people and the Constitution? Why is the Governor worried that Benjamin Kalu is busy promoting the leader of his party and President of the country, while he is busy promoting the presidential candidate of his Labour Party? Didn’t the deputy speaker invite him to work together in APC and he threw it back at him ? Should the highest officer in government allow his party to die in his state ? What actually is the problem ? Why recruiting his media attackers on a man who is focussed in raising grassroot support for his party ?
It reeks of insecurity. Governor Otti, despite the aggressive media branding and propaganda machinery surrounding his administration, seems unconvinced of his own performance. The fear of Benjamin Kalu, who has not even declared any gubernatorial ambition is evidence of a jittery leadership afraid of its own shadows.
Worse still is the hypocrisy. Governor Otti had no qualms inviting former President Obasanjo to commission a project funded through federal allocations, only for the former president to insult the sitting president on the platform provided by Abia State. Yet, Tinubu did not declare Otti an enemy of the nation. In contrast, Enugu’s governor welcomed Tinubu with open arms to commission projects, setting an example of political maturity.
Governor Otti’s current path is one of intolerance. He is nurturing a culture that only rewards sycophancy while silencing dissent and democratic freedom. If Benjamin Kalu decides to run for governor as many Abians across party lines are clamoring for that is his right. It does not make him an enemy. It makes him a contender.
Let it be known: real leadership does not fear opposition. It welcomes scrutiny, encourages engagement, and builds coalitions beyond party lines. Governor Otti must rise above the politics of fear, or risk turning Abia into a state where free speech is punished, and progress is stalled by ego.
The royal fathers deserve respect, not intimidation. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu deserves commendation, not condemnation. And Abians deserve a government that unites, not one that divides.
Abia is watching. Nigeria is watching. And history will remember.
Aguoru Is a Public Affairs Analyst
