Abia State’s Governor, Alex Otti, has made an appeal to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), urging the commission to consider boosting the federal allocation allocated to Abia State. According to Governor Otti, this increase would play a crucial role in accelerating the pace of the state’s developmental programs and initiatives. The governor delivered this request on Sunday from his official office, where he received a courtesy visit from Mrs. Nkechi Otti, who currently serves as the Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the RMAFC. Governor Otti emphasized that a higher allocation from the federal purse would significantly improve Abia’s capacity to implement its numerous projects spread across the state. He made reference to a recent evaluation by the Debt Management Office (DMO), which highlighted the state government’s efforts in maintaining strong financial discipline. He stated clearly: “Anything you can do to help us increase our Federal allocation will be very much appreciated. Once again, thank you for the report. I will take my time and read through it. We have a lot of things on our hands. If we get more money to be able to execute them, why not? Particularly, we have also shown financial discipline.” In her remarks before the governor, Mrs. Nkechi Otti explained that her presence in Abia State was part of a familiarisation tour, as she had only recently been appointed to the commission a few months ago. The commissioner noted that she was keen on understanding how to better represent the interests of Abia State within the RMAFC. Governor Otti reiterated that with additional funding support from the federal government, his administration would be better positioned to fast-track its development objectives across sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and job creation. He stressed that his administration had been prudent in managing the state’s resources, which should encourage the commission to consider a fairer and increased allocation package. The appeal from Governor Otti comes against the backdrop of significant development challenges faced by Abia State, ranging from infrastructural decay to high youth unemployment. An improved federal revenue allocation could therefore help bridge funding gaps and provide the much-needed boost to local economic development. The governor closed his remarks by thanking Mrs. Nkechi Otti for the familiarisation visit and for delivering the commission’s report, assuring her that his team would review it thoroughly and engage further on all recommendations that would benefit the state
Overview of the Crisis The internal crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has deepened, as the party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, accused Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate, and Governor Alex Otti of Abia State of plotting to forcefully take over the party’s leadership structure. According to Ibrahim, the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting recently held by Obi and Otti was unconstitutional and unauthorized, thus rendering it illegitimate. Related: Supreme Court Ruling on Julius Abure’s Leadership Controversial Visit to INEC Headquarters The tension escalated when Governor Otti led a Labour Party delegation to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headquarters in Abuja. The team, which included Peter Obi, reportedly submitted a Certified True Copy of a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the party’s leadership. While this move might appear procedural, Ibrahim alleges it was a tactical move to manipulate INEC into recognizing an illegitimate leadership faction. Read more on Political Leadership Disputes in Nigeria Labour Party’s Official Response In a strongly-worded press release signed by Ibrahim, he stated: “The leadership of the Labour Party strongly condemns the illegal NEC meeting organized by Peter Obi and Dr. Alex Otti. Their actions reflect a deep level of desperation to seize control of the party’s structure.” Ibrahim criticized the duo for misleading their supporters and attempting to pressure INEC into overstepping its legal boundaries. Claims of Power Exchange Proposal Another key revelation from the meeting was a purported offer made by Obi and Otti to Barrister Julius Abure, the embattled former National Chairman of the Labour Party. According to Ibrahim, they proposed that Abure be given the role of Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) as a way of softening the leadership tussle. However, Ibrahim dismissed the offer, emphasizing that Abure’s leadership was not self-imposed but decided by the legitimate structures of the party. Final Stand by LP Leadership The party leadership, under Ibrahim, urged all members and the general public to ignore the outcome of the alleged NEC meeting, branding it as illegitimate and unrepresentative of the true organs of the Labour Party. “This is not about Abure. It’s about the legitimacy of the party structure and respecting the rule of law within our organization.” Conclusion The unfolding drama within the Labour Party raises concerns over the internal democratic processes in Nigerian political parties. As the 2027 general elections inch closer, this leadership crisis could shape or shake the party’s unity and electoral future. Stay tuned to LMSINT MEDIA for detailed updates on Nigerian politics and party developments. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Abia State Governor Dr. Alex Otti has expressed optimism that the recent Supreme Court ruling, which removed Julius Abure and his faction of the National Working Committee of the Labour Party (LP), will lead to lasting peace and stability within the party. Reacting to the landmark judgement delivered on Friday, Governor Otti emphasized that the decision was a welcome development that aligns with the true expectations of party members and many Nigerians. “This ruling vindicates our earlier position. The tenure of Abure’s committee had long expired, necessitating the formation of the National Caretaker Committee led by Esther Nenadi Usman as Chairperson and Darlington Nwokocha as Secretary,” said Otti. Fostering Unity and Strengthening the Labour Party Governor Otti highlighted that the creation of the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) was a strategic move aimed at restoring order, promoting internal democracy, and consolidating the progress made during the last general elections. He praised the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its “just and visionary” decision, affirming that it reflects the genuine aspirations of Labour Party loyalists and Nigerians at large. Read more on how the Supreme Court operates in Nigeria. An Invitation to Former Leaders Governor Otti also extended a hand of fellowship to the former national officers of the party, urging them to cooperate with both the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the newly constituted caretaker leadership to build a stronger, more inclusive Labour Party. “We’re committed to building a party free of favoritism or discrimination. Now is the time to focus on unity and the larger goal,” he said. Related Post You Might Like Conclusion The Supreme Court judgement on the Labour Party leadership crisis marks a new chapter for the party. With renewed leadership and a focus on unity, the Labour Party appears poised to become a stronger opposition and political force in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The family of David Ogbonnaya, a student of Kingdom College, Ozu Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State, has issued a heartfelt appeal to Governors Alex Otti of Abia State and Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to assist in locating their missing son. David was reportedly abducted on March 5, 2024, amidst a violent land dispute at Kingdom College’s farm. Incident Overview David Ogbonnaya, who hails from Amagu Ishiagu in Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, was among eight students allegedly kidnapped by youths from the Ndi Okorie community. These youths reportedly stormed the college farm, attacking students working on the premises. While six of the abducted students were rescued by the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade from Ohafia, another student from Awkuzu, Anambra State, tragically lost his life. David Ogbonnaya remains unaccounted for. Family’s Efforts and Desperation Abel Ogbonnaya, speaking on behalf of the family during a press briefing in Umuahia, explained their ongoing efforts to find David. The family, with support from the traditional ruler of Amagu, Eze Dominic Alo, has written to Governor Francis Nwifuru and sought help from Hon. Chinedu Ogah, the House of Representatives member representing Amagu. Despite involving various authorities, including the Abia State Majority Leader, Hon. Uchenna Kalu, and security agencies, little progress has been made. Abel also disclosed that a Policeman dispatched from Abuja to investigate the matter was himself abducted and wounded by machete-wielding youths from Ndi Okorie. The officer was later rescued by Nigerian Army personnel from Ohafia. Authorities’ Reactions Hon. Uchenna Kalu confirmed the incident, noting that the land dispute between Kingdom College and Ndi Okorie community has persisted for over 15 years. He further stated that both sides reported attacks during the March 5 clash. Kalu added that he had informed Abia State Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, who oversees boundary matters. Efforts to address the conflict include visiting victims, holding peace and security meetings, and strategizing to restore calm in the area. When contacted, Abia State Police Command spokesperson ASP Maureen Chinaka requested additional time to comment on the matter. Similarly, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi acknowledged ongoing investigations but had not provided further updates at the time of this report. Family’s Final Appeal “Since March 5, 2024, our son is still missing. We appeal to Governors Alex Otti and Francis Nwifuru, the Police, and all concerned authorities to help us locate our son’s whereabouts, dead or alive,” Abel Ogbonnaya pleaded. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
