Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABIA STATE, Nigeria — A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Paul Ikonne, has called on citizens to actively engage with governance and hold the administration of Governor Alex Otti accountable as the New Year begins. In a statement issued yesterday, Ikonne emphasised the importance of transparency, grassroots democracy, and functional local government authorities as key drivers of sustainable development across the state.
Ikonne, who previously served as Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), urged the people of Abia to rise with courage, ask critical questions, and demand accountability from state leaders. “Let democracy flourish at the grassroots, and let Abians feel the impact of governance in their daily lives,” he said, framing 2026 as a year for renewed civic engagement.
Highlighting the role of Local Government Authorities (LGAs) in delivering essential services, Ikonne stressed that empowered councils are vital for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation. “One critical step toward progress is allowing our Local Government Authorities to function freely and effectively. Local governments are the closest to the people; they are the engines of grassroots development. When they are empowered, roads are built, schools are supported, healthcare reaches our communities, and jobs are created. Without them, progress stalls and our people suffer.”
In his message, Ikonne called on Governor Otti to honour his responsibility to enable local councils to operate without undue interference. “I call on Governor Alex Otti to honor this responsibility in the new year. Let our councils breathe again, let democracy flourish at the grassroots, and let Abians feel the impact of governance in their daily lives,” he said.
The APC leader further framed his message as a broader call for civic participation and empowerment. He urged residents to demand transparency, accountability, fairness, and a government that listens to its citizens, stressing that meaningful progress requires action, not words. “Abia is a land blessed with industrious people, rich culture, and boundless potential. Yet, we know that greatness is not achieved by words alone, it is built through action, accountability, and leadership that serves the people first,” he added.
Ikonne’s New Year message also sought to inspire optimism and collective responsibility among Abians. “Together, we will build a state where hope is not just a dream, but a reality lived by every family. Abia shall be great again, not by silencing the people, but by empowering them. Not by concentrating power, but by spreading it to every corner of our land,” he said.
Observers note that Ikonne’s statement comes at a time of growing public attention on governance in Abia State, with citizens increasingly vocal about development challenges, service delivery, and the effectiveness of local councils. By highlighting the centrality of grassroots institutions, the APC chieftain is reinforcing a narrative of civic responsibility while positioning the party as a champion of accountability.
As the state embarks on the New Year, Ikonne’s message underscores the importance of active citizen engagement, participatory governance, and empowerment of local authorities as pathways to translating Abia’s potential into tangible improvements for its people.
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