Opinion: Umuahia East State Constituency – Why It Must Be Hon Augustine Okezie(Ugolee) by Tony Onyenweaku
In recent weeks, I have received numerous calls from aspirants and supporters of various candidates seeking my support for the Umuahia East State Constituency seat. My response has remained consistent: I stand firmly with Hon. Austin Okezie Meregini (Ugolee), the current Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly.
Many have questioned my position. Some argue that his performance has been below expectations, while others attempt to convince me that he has not been of much personal benefit to me. A few even compare him with his predecessor, using what they perceive as past achievements as the benchmark for effective representation.
To everyone who has asked, my answer remains the same: Why should it be him?
It should be him because governance in Abia has changed. The system we operate today is fundamentally different from what we were accustomed to in the past. For years, constituency allowances were widely perceived as funds meant for projects, empowerment programmes, and other forms of direct intervention by legislators. In reality, that arrangement became a conduit for corruption and blurred the constitutional separation of powers.
Since the inauguration of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti as Governor, that narrative has changed. His administration has restored the proper roles of government. Project conception, execution, and infrastructure development are responsibilities of the executive arm, not the legislature.
The primary duty of a legislator is to identify the needs of the people, present them effectively, defend them during budget deliberations, and ensure that the interests of the constituency are reflected in government policies and appropriations.
On that score, I believe Hon. Austin Meregini has performed creditably. Today, the number and quality of government projects in Umuahia East cannot be compared with what we had in previous years. Rather than competing with the executive, he has worked in harmony with the Governor to ensure our constituency benefits from the developmental agenda of the present administration. That is responsible and effective representation.
As the Bible reminds us in Ephesians 4:16, “From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Every arm of government has its constitutional responsibility, and meaningful development is achieved when each performs its role effectively.
I also refuse to judge a public servant solely by what he has done for me personally. Leadership should not be evaluated through the lens of personal gain. If the system is working for the greater good of the people, then it deserves recognition and support.
Everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and political choice. Mine is clear. I believe Hon. Austin Meregini has stood with Governor Alex Otti in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Umuahia East and, on that basis, deserves another term in office.
We must also embrace the new reality in Abia. The era of politics driven by the sharing of public money is gradually giving way to governance driven by ideas, accountability, and development. If you have a genuine proposal capable of improving our constituency or our state, engage your representative. Present your ideas and allow him to advocate for them within government.
As we look ahead to 2027, my position is unwavering. I will vote for Dr. Alex Chioma Otti and Hon. Austin Meregini (Ugolee). Beyond casting my vote, I will dedicate my time, energy, and resources to canvassing support for them because I believe continuity will keep Abia and Umuahia East on the path of sustainable development and good governance.
God bless Hon. Austin Meregini (Ugolee).
God bless Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.
God bless Abia State. #everyone #AbiaState #AlexOtti
Hon. Tony Onyenweaku
President General, Azueke Ibeku Autonomous Community
