Abia State Governor Alex Otti has thrown a challenge to male politicians, urging them to make way for women in the state’s political space ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor made the call on Wednesday at Onu–Igbere in Bende Local Government Area during the burial of Mrs. Chiamaka Joyce Ibekwe, wife of the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Nnamdi Ibekwe.
Otti also approved a request by Ibekwe to erect monuments in honour of Abia women, describing the gesture as long overdue and a fitting recognition of their contributions over time.
He noted that Abia women have always played vital roles in society and stressed that the push for recognition goes beyond individuals to the collective legacy of women in the state.
“I want to thank Honourable Ibekwe for the request he made here. And the request was not about him. It wasn’t even about Chimamaka (the wife).
“It was about Abia women from inception. Our women have always been great women. If you don’t know, then you don’t know history.
“So, the request you have made, I want to assure you that it is not only going to be considered, but it’s going to be approved. And I believe it’s going to be a great encouragement to women who toil day and night.
“I have been at the forefront of fighting for women to be recognised and given their due place. And I want to challenge all of us, particularly members of the State House of Assembly, where there is no woman sitting.
“Today, 24 of you (House members) are men. So, the Right Honourable Speaker, you have a challenge in your hands.
“You either create more constituencies, or you ask some men to step down for women as we approach 2027. We need to find some women in the House.
“Even if we start with 4 out of 24, that would be better than zero. And women, you also need to unite and help us,” Otti stated.
The governor, while condoling with the bereaved family, described the late Chiamaka Ibekwe as a divine gift whose life left lasting impressions on all who encountered her.
“We are thanking God for the gift of this woman lying here today. A special privilege that we had her in the first place.
“If you’ve spent time reading the tributes, or if you encountered her, then you would know she was a gift from God. And because she was a gift, the giver will always determine when he will take. So, it’s not for us to decide what will happen. So, we thank God for the gift of this woman.
“So, I want to call on all of you to take heart. Let me once again, console you on our behalf. Thank you for being a great husband,” Otti stated.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Aghukwa, and Eucharia Okezie, speaking on behalf of friends, described the deceased as a virtuous, prayerful, and devoted Christian, noting that her passing has created a significant void.
Delivering a sermon, Rev. Mrs. Oyiks Alfred urged Christians to grieve with hope, reminding them of the promise of eternal life through Christ and assuring that the deceased rests with the Lord.
In his tribute, the chief mourner, Nnamdi Ibekwe, described his late wife as a selfless and compassionate woman whose life was marked by love, faith, and devotion to God.
He also appealed to the governor to immortalise the contributions of Abia women through monuments, noting that from the historic Aba Women’s Riot of 1929 to the present day, women in the state have continued to shape society.
The late Chiamaka Ibekwe, aged 46, is survived by her husband, four children, and extended family members.
Dignitaries at the funeral included the governor’s wife, Priscilla Otti, Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu, Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, lawmakers, commissioners, the Mayor of Bende Uwabunkeonye Bassey, traditional rulers, and other prominent figures.
