The former Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, Mr Newman Azuh has congratulated the people of the state on the 35th anniversary of its creation, while commending Governor Alex Otti for what he described as a transformative approach to governance and development.

The former mayor made the statement at his country home in Ogwe Asa, Ukwa West, while interacting with newsmen on the achievements of the Otti administration, his tenure as mayor, developments in Ukwa West and the 2027 general elections.

He described his appointment by Governor Otti as the first Mayor of Ukwa West as one of the greatest honours of his life, noting that the opportunity enabled him to return from the diaspora to serve his people.

According to him, the appointment was a positive signal to Abians at home and in the diaspora, adding that he and other pioneer mayors gave their best in the service of the people.

He commended Governor Otti for changing the narrative of leadership and governance in Abia State, saying Abians across the world are proud of the administration’s achievements.

He said the governor’s administration had recorded notable progress in infrastructure, road construction, electricity, healthcare and education.

“Since the inception of this Government under His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti, every Abian, both at home and in the diaspora, is really proud of what he has been able to achieve in changing the narrative about leadership and governance in our state,” he said.

On the development of Ukwa West, an oil-producing local government, the former mayor said more attention was still required because of the peculiar challenges associated with oil-producing communities and decades of neglect.

He, however, commended the administration for initiatives through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), particularly projects in Ukwa West.

He mentioned the construction of the road linking Obehie to Owaza as some of the notable developments in the area, while expressing optimism that more projects would be executed.

“We are very hopeful and positive that, going forward, there will be more things to come to my local government. Because of decades of neglect, there are a lot of facilities and infrastructure that need to be rebuilt,” he said.

Reflecting on his 11-month tenure as mayor, he described the period as challenging but rewarding, saying his administration made visible changes to the local government.

He listed the construction of a new police station, rehabilitation of the High Court and Customary Court, interventions in water supply and efforts to restore electricity in some communities among his administration’s achievements.

According to him, the projects were aimed at improving security, justice, water supply and the general welfare of residents.

“Every Ukwa citizen will testify that we changed the face of our local government for the first time in a long time. If you go there, you will see the physical structures we put in place,” he said.

Speaking on the 2027 elections and his support for Governor Otti’s re-election, the former mayor declared that he was already mobilising support for the governor and the Labour Party at the grassroots.

He said his ward, Ogbe Ward in Ukwa West, remained firmly behind the governor, describing the area as politically secure for Otti’s re-election.

According to him, his political influence extends beyond his immediate community, adding that he and his political associates were actively involved in mobilising support for the Labour Party across the area.

“There is no competition against His Excellency here. This place is secure for four over four,” he declared.

He also disclosed that following the end of his tenure as mayor, he had returned to his private business while remaining active in grassroots political activities.

On his message to Abians as the state marks 35 years since its creation, the former mayor urged residents to remain optimistic about the future of the state under Governor Otti.

Using an aviation analogy, he said Abia was in safe hands under the present administration.

“When you have a good captain on the ship or an aeroplane, you see, it is in automatic mode. I believe strongly that Abia State is in very safe hands and is on autopilot,” he said.

He urged Abians to support the administration, saying the governor’s achievements had raised expectations among the people.
“I tell my fellow Abians to relax because we are cruising at high altitude. There is no stopping us,” he added.

The family of convicted leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has described a member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Obi Aguocha, as the defender of truth and fighter against injustice.

The Kanu family said Aguocha, who is seeking reelection in the 2027 election, has an exemplary character of loyalty.

Kanu is serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison for treason-related charges. He’s appealed against the conviction.

Hon. Aguocha is one of the leaders and voices expressing support for the IPOB leader.

Speaking on Sunday on behalf of the family, Prince Emmanuel Kanu described Aguocha as a “loyal Defender”.

“In a time when many choose silence,” he said, “Hon. Obi Aguocha chose family, chose truth, and chose to fight.”

“That kind of loyalty doesn’t come with politics, it comes from the heart,” he added.

Aguocha emerged to contest the 2027 election on the platform of the Labour Party and described his emergence as a reflection of the confidence reposed in him by the people based on his performance in office, his character, and the growing popularity of the Labour Party in Abia State.

“I feel great and happy that the people elected me and still affirmed me to return to the Federal House unopposed. It is a testament to what we have done, our character, and the significance of the Labour Party in Abia State,” Aguocha said.

“We are confident that we will win and are prepared to retain our seats. We are very optimistic that we will emerge victorious in the 2027 elections. The work we have done is proof of our commitment to the people,” he stated.

“We are not shifting our priorities, which is to serve the people of Abia State. The things we have not completed, we will accelerate efforts to ensure they are completed. We will fulfil all the promises we made to Abians,” he added.

APC Abia Pardons Erring Members, Warns Against Future Disloyalty,seeks unity ahead of 2027 Elections

The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has granted unconditional pardon to members who had previously erred against the party, as part of efforts to strengthen unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision was reached at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia, where party leaders and stakeholders agreed to put past grievances behind them and work together for the progress of the party.

Moving the motion for the unconditional pardon, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Uzor Azubuike, said the decision was aimed at promoting reconciliation and ensuring that all members, including those who had previously gone against the party’s position, remained united in the interest of the APC.

Azubuike stressed the need for the party to forge a common front as it prepares for the 2027 elections, noting that unity among members would be critical to achieving the party’s political objectives.

While extending the pardon, the party, however, warned that future acts of indiscipline, disloyalty and actions capable of undermining the party would not be tolerated.

The stakeholders’ meeting therefore marked a renewed call for unity, discipline and collective commitment among APC members in Abia as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections.