Critic Challenges Onwusibe Over Comments on Abia’s 24 Years of Governance

A political commentator, Emmanuel Igwe, has taken a swipe at Hon. Ginger Onwusibe over remarks in which the federal lawmaker reportedly criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and described the last 24 years of governance in Abia State as a period of failure.

Recall that the federal lawmaker on his social media handle on Sunday said that “Governor Alex Otti’s tenure in the governance of Abia State marks a conspicuous shift in the narrative of the state’s governance… insisting that no administration is without critics and challenges but comparing the past administrations of Abia State with the present led by Dr. Alex Otti, is like comparing hell and heaven, retardation and progressiveness or in the popular local parlance – Egypt and the beautiful land of Canan aptly described in the Bible”.

In a statement issued in Umuahia on Monday, Igwe argued that Onwusibe was a key participant in the political system throughout the period he now condemns, having served in public office during the same 24 years.

He maintained that it was inconsistent and misleading for the lawmaker to distance himself from an era in which he allegedly played an active role and from which he benefited politically.

According to Igwe, Onwusibe cannot credibly portray himself as an outsider to the past administrations simply because of his recent political alignment, insisting that “history does not permit selective amnesia.” He contended that any fair assessment of Abia’s political history must acknowledge the roles played by individuals who occupied positions of authority during that period.

The commentator further challenged Onwusibe to account for his performance in his current position at the National Assembly, noting that occupying a higher and more influential office comes with greater responsibility and expectations.

He questioned what tangible achievements the lawmaker has delivered to his constituency, including landmark bills, constituency projects, or empowerment initiatives that justify what he described as Onwusibe’s “moral posturing.”

Igwe compared Onwusibe’s present record with that of other lawmakers elected at the same time, arguing that public office holders should be judged by visible impact rather than political rhetoric or media engagements. He stressed that effective representation is measured by concrete contributions to the lives of constituents, not by constant criticism of past administrations.

He also described as “cheap politics” the practice of exaggerating the failures of previous governments while remaining silent on one’s own role in those administrations and on present shortcomings. Igwe warned that supporting a sitting governor or aligning with the current political leadership should not involve rewriting history or, in his words, “insulting the intelligence of Abians.”

Igwe concluded by calling on Hon. Onwusibe to openly acknowledge his role in Abia’s past political journey and to clearly outline what he has delivered so far in public office.

He maintained that leadership and governance should be anchored on accountability, performance, and honesty, adding that without these, claims to moral authority over Abia’s political history would remain unconvincing.