Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has charged security agencies in the State to ensure a level playing field for all political parties to lawfully carry out their political activities and campaigns in Abia.

Governor Otti gave the charge during the monthly State Security Council Meeting, where security situations across Abia are regularly reviewed to sustain and improve on the gains recorded in keeping the State safe and secure.

It will be recalled that Governor Otti was once a victim of an assassination attempt during his political journey to serve the State, an attack that claimed the lives of two police officers attached to him.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), assured of their readiness to ensure hitch-free political campaigns and elections in 2027.

According to CP Afolabi: “We just came out from the meeting chaired by the Executive Governor of Abia State. A lot of matters were discussed, some centered on the forthcoming elections, and I believe His Excellency has made our work easier. He told us explicitly and in clear terms that all he wants is for us to create a level playing field for all. He also directed that any political party that applies for approval to hold campaigns should be granted express approval. By that, he has made our work less cumbersome.”

On the preparedness of security agencies to ensure a violence-free electioneering period, the Police Commissioner disclosed that following a three-day Regional Police Retreat recently held in Imo State – chaired by the Inspector-General of Police and attended by some Governors, senior police officers and other stakeholders – and with the support of the Abia State Government, security agencies are fully prepared to ensure rancour-free campaigns and elections in 2027.

Corroborating the CP, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Ubah (Rtd), said: “Basically, His Excellency is a just man. He has made the job simple, as the Commissioner of Police has just said – politics without bitterness. He has given his go-ahead that all political parties that want to campaign should not be impeded, as long as they pay the approved fees for the use of stadiums or any public facilities. They are free, without hindrance, to carry out their campaigns. With this level playing field across party lines, we do not expect mischief-makers to have any excuse.”

Navy Commander Ubah warned that mischief-makers would have the law to contend with, stressing that every act capable of breaching public peace would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

“The law has a long arm. The long arm of the law will catch up with anyone who wants to perpetrate trouble or cause mayhem. The State will not sit back and allow anyone to intentionally break the law,” the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security concluded.

Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA

Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.

September 25, 2026.

The traditional ruler of Ancient Umudiawa Kingdom, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has commended the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, for his interventions on issues affecting his constituents and the South-East.

Eze Ofoegbu made the commendation during the Iwa Ji Ime Obi Umudiawa celebration held at his palace in Umuahia, where he also called on politicians aspiring to public office to remain connected to their people.

The traditional ruler, who performed the ceremonial cutting of the yam alongside other traditional rulers from Ohuhu, thanked God for the successful celebration and the year’s harvest.

Eze Ofoegbu urged politicians seeking elective offices to regularly return home and identify with their people, stressing that political leaders should not limit their activities to Abuja.

“If they don’t come to us, their fate is hanging. They must come and identify with the people and show them that they truly care,” he said.
He particularly commended Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha for what he described as his efforts towards securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, noting that the lawmaker’s interventions demonstrated concern for Kanu and the wider South-East.

Eze Ofoegbu also praised Aguocha for his constituency interventions, particularly his assistance to people facing medical challenges and his support for less privileged members of society.
The traditional ruler prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Aguocha and success in his political endeavours.

Speaking on the significance of Iwa Ji, Royal High Chief Okezie EzeIgbo, the Traditional Prime Minister, described yam as a special crop that stands out among other farm produce.

He prayed that the celebration would usher in love, peace, progress and harmony among the people of Umudiawa.
During the ceremony, Eze Ofoegbu poured traditional libation and offered prayers for the people of Umudiawa, asking God to bless the community and its people.
He prayed that the land of Umudiawa would continue to produce wealth, while children of the community living at home and abroad would excel in their various endeavours.

He further prayed for peace, prosperity and protection from evil, expressing hope that the people would gather again next year in good health to celebrate another Iwa Ji festival.

The event was attended by Eze Philip Ajomiwe, traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community, Umuahia, as well as other traditional rulers from Ohuhu land.
Also present were the Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Chief Smart Iheoma, village heads and other dignitaries.
The celebration featured a colourful traditional dance performance by the Koboko Cultural Group, which thrilled guests with an energetic display.

The event provided an opportunity for the people of Umudiawa to celebrate their cultural heritage, give thanks for the harvest and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and progress in the community.

The traditional ruler of Umudiawa Ancient Kingdom, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, has called for peace and unity among the people of the community while urging politicians seeking elective offices to regularly return home, identify with their people and remain connected to their communities.

Eze Ofoegbu made the call during the Iwa Ji Ime Obi Umudiawa celebration held at his palace in Umuahia.

The traditional ruler, who performed the ceremonial cutting of the yam alongside other traditional rulers from Ohuhu, expressed gratitude to God for the successful celebration and the year’s harvest.

Speaking on the significance of Iwa Ji, Royal High Chief Okezie EzeIgbo, the Traditional Prime Minister, described yam as a special crop that stands out among other farm produce. He prayed that the celebration would usher in love, peace, progress and harmony among the people of Umudiawa.

Eze Ofoegbu, while speaking, flanked by other traditional rulers who joined him in the ceremonial cutting of the yam, thanked God for this year’s celebration. He urged politicians aspiring to public office to come closer to the people, particularly those from Ohuhu, stressing that political leaders should not limit their activities to Abuja.

“If they don’t come to us, their fate is hanging. They must come and identify with the people and show them that they truly care,” he said.

The traditional ruler also commended the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, for what he described as his efforts towards securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

According to Eze Ofoegbu, Aguocha’s interventions demonstrated his concern for Kanu and the wider South-East. He also commended the lawmaker for his constituency interventions, particularly assistance to people facing medical challenges and support for less privileged members of society.

He prayed for God’s continued blessings upon Aguocha and success in his political endeavours.

During the ceremony, Eze Ofoegbu poured traditional libation and offered prayers for the people of Umudiawa, asking God to bless the community and its people.

He prayed that the land of Umudiawa would continue to produce wealth, while children of the community living at home and abroad would excel in their various endeavours.

He further prayed for peace, prosperity and protection from evil, expressing hope that the people would gather again next year in good health to celebrate another Iwa Ji festival.

The event was attended by Eze Philip Ajomiwe, traditional ruler of Oriendu Autonomous Community, Umuahia, as well as other traditional rulers from Ohuhu land

Also present were the Chairman of Umuahia North Local government Chief Smart Iheoma, village heads and other dignitaries.

The celebration featured a colourful traditional dance performance by the Koboko Cultural Group, which thrilled guests with an energetic display.

The event provided an opportunity for the people of Umudiawa to celebrate their cultural heritage, give thanks for the harvest and reaffirm their commitment to peace, unity and progress in the community.