A former Secretary to the Abia State government, Ralph Egbu, has cautioned that inflammatory statements by opposition politicians, both within and outside the state, could disrupt the peace in Abia. Egbu made this statement in response to a speech delivered by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, at a reception for David Umahi, the representative of President Bola Tinubu, held at Aba stadium on Friday.
According to Egbu, the state’s current peaceful atmosphere, enjoyed by its diverse communities, should not be jeopardized by unguarded utterances. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this tranquility, citing the state’s history of peaceful politics, which has avoided the destructive maneuvers that have plagued other states in the federation.
Egbu, who previously served as the Commissioner for Information in Abia State, alleged that opposition party members are now employing verbal attacks to distract and undermine Governor Alex Otti, likely due to the upcoming 2027 elections. He warned opposition party members, both within and outside the state, against engaging in politics that could potentially turn Abia into a violent ground, similar to what is seen in other states.
The warning comes as Abia State continues to experience a period of relative peace, with its politics characterized by a lack of violent maneuvering that often leads to loss of life, property destruction, and stalled development in other parts of the country. Egbu’s statement highlights the need for politicians to exercise restraint in their public statements, ensuring that their words do not incite violence or destabilize the state.
As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how the political landscape in Abia State will unfold. For now, Egbu’s warning serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the state, and the need for politicians to prioritize responsible and respectful discourse. With the state’s history of peaceful politics, it is likely that efforts will be made to preserve this atmosphere, ensuring the continued well-being and development of Abia State.