CIVIC RECEPTION MISREPRESENTED: Dr. Uche Ogah’s Position Driven by Patriotism, Not Partisanship – Abia Rejoice Movement

The Abia Rejoice Movement has carefully noted the statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Uche Aguoru, concerning remarks credited to Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah.

Ordinarily, the Abia Rejoice Movement would not consider it necessary to respond to such claims. However, in order to prevent the public from being misled by narratives driven more by political convenience than by facts, it has become important to set the record straight.

First, it is necessary to clarify that the event where Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah made his remarks that it was not a Labour Party political gathering, but a civic reception organized in honor of an illustrious son of Isuikwuato who is currently serving as the Attorney General of Abia State. It was an occasion intended to celebrate service and achievement, not a partisan political rally as some have attempted to portray.

Furthermore, since the emergence of Governor Alex Otti in 2023, it is on public record that several elected officials and prominent members of the APC have openly acknowledged and commended the Governor’s performance, despite differences in party affiliation. These acknowledgments were widely seen as expressions of political maturity and objective assessment of governance.

It is therefore both curious and unnecessary for anyone to suddenly attempt to criminalize or politicize a similar expression of goodwill and recognition when it comes from Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah. The question that naturally arises is: what exactly is different between the position taken by those APC leaders and that expressed by Dr. Ogah?

It is ironic to hear lectures on loyalty and “sabotage” from individuals who were part of the PDP machinery that held Abia State in underdevelopment for 24 years. History recalls the role of Mr. Uche Aguoru in 2019, when, as an APC governorship polling unit agent, he betrayed us as a mole in our midst and facilitated rigging that favored his former PDP allies. This “rebranding” of old actors into the APC does not erase a track record of those who contributed to the state’s stagnation.

The APC’s national stance makes the position taken by this nomadic character and transactional writer appear hypocritical. The national APC has hailed Nyesom Wike as a “hero” and rewarded him for open favoritism toward the APC while remaining in the PDP. If such actions are celebrated when they benefit the party, it cannot demonize Dr. Uche Ogah for prioritizing the progress of his state over the interests of a few individuals.

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah remains a respected Abia leader whose record in economic empowerment, community development, and humanitarian support continues to impact lives across the state. His position acknowledging the reforms and progress in Abia reflects political maturity and a genuine commitment to the people.

For the avoidance of doubt, Dr.Uche Ogah remains firmly committed to the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will continue to work for the President’s reelection.

The Abia Rejoice Movement therefore urges political actors across party lines to elevate the tone of public discourse, avoid unnecessary distractions, and focus on constructive engagement that will strengthen democratic culture and accelerate development in Abia State.

Political discourse in Abia must be guided by facts, responsibility, and progress not needless controversy.

Signed

Abia Rejoice Movement.