Tensions have escalated between the Abia State government and the local chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a fierce verbal battle ensued over the sealing of the party’s secretariat last Wednesday.
As earlier reported by MUK TV, the Umuahia Capital Development Authority staff took action to seal off the PDP’s headquarters on Finbarrs Road in Umuahia, the state capital, following an order from the Panel of Enquiry chaired by Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe, tasked with reclaiming government assets in the state.
Accusations flew as the state government alleged that the PDP had financed the secretariat with public funds during former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s tenure.
Confirming the panel’s directive, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity, revealed that evidence indicated state government funding for the facility, citing a petition from the property owner addressed to the governor.
“We have verifiable evidence that the state Ministry of Lands and Housing was the one making payment for the facility,” Ekeoma asserted.
In a rebuttal, Chief Amah Abraham, the state vice chairman of PDP, decried the government’s actions as a targeted attack on the party, alleging lack of prior notification and denying knowledge of ownership details.
“Our party has occupied the facility for over 12 years… nobody contacted us before it was sealed,” Abraham countered. “I have no information on how payment was made for the building.”
As the war of words intensifies, the clash underscores deeper political rifts and raises questions about transparency and accountability in Abia’s political landscape.
