The former Minority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has called on Abians and opposition political parties to unite in defence of democracy, alleging a coordinated attempt by the Abia State Government to suppress dissenting voices.
Chukwu who made the call while reacting to the recent revocation of the lease contract for Abia Hotels, Umuahia, by the state government, accused the government of vindictiveness, harassment, and intimidation of the opposition.
According to him, the revocation was politically motivated, claiming it was triggered by the All Progressives Congress (APC) hosting a rally at the hotel premises on October 5, 2025, which drew a large turnout of supporters.
Chukwu, who also serves as a member of the North West Development Commission board, further alleged that the Labour Party–led administration in Abia State demolished property worth billions of naira belonging to Engr. Mbaka at the Trademore complex, Umuahia, without paying compensation. He argued that such actions would discourage investors from considering Abia State for business.
He also accused the government of attempting to shut down an event centre in Osisioma, where the APC recently held another rally—an action he described as further evidence of intolerance toward the opposition.
The former lawmaker criticised what he called the government’s growing hostility toward dissenting voices, noting that he enjoyed freedom of expression as an opposition member before the 2023 elections.
Chukwu therefore urged opposition members and Abians at large to unite and resist what he described as moves by Governor Alex Otti’s administration to clamp down on dissent, warning that such actions pose a threat to democratic principles in the state.
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