Says, “my time has come”

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

In response to the several calls by well wishes and brethren from Bende federal constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso had finally offered himself to contest for the 2027 general elections for Bende.

Pressures intensified for him to run for the seat at weekend has intensified calls for Chima Anyaso with many describing him as the preferred choice to lead a new era of representation.

At the gathering of political leaders, stakeholders, and community influencers across the constituency, the focus was on the need for someone like him to replicate the ongoing transformation seen in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti.

Speakers pointed to visible improvements in governance and infrastructure, stressing that Bende must not be left behind in the state’s development drive

Amid those calls for him to contest, Dr. Anyaso quenched the thirst of the people by declaring readiness and resolve to throw his heart into the ring.

“Across Abia, we are witnessing what focused, competent leadership can achieve real results, real transformation. Bende must not be left behind,” he said.

He said, “I am fully prepared to deliver clean, quality, and effective representation for our people. If entrusted with the mandate, I will not disappoint,”

The businessman-turned-political described the moment as both timely and decisive, hinting strongly at a potential bid.

“The time for excellence is now. The time for Bende is now. It is my season,” he declared.

Observers say the development signals a shift in Bende’s political landscape, as influential voices rally behind Anyaso, urging him to translate his growing support base into a formal candidacy.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

As a precursor to the national convention coming up in a few days time, the Labour party in Abia State under the Nenadi Usman led executive has unveiled a new state working committee.

The Congress which took place at the party’s state secretariat in Umuahia attracted party chieftains, national assembly members, national secretary of the party and members of the state executive council.

Before officials of Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and the organising committee, names of the new executive were announced with positions and thereafter the delegates affirmed through a voice vote acclaimed their positions.

The chairman of the state organising committee, Hon. Achọ Obiọma in his opening remarks, disclosed that the party had adopted a grassroots method which allows members to choose their preferred officers themselves and present a common front.

Governor Alex Otti congratulated the new SWC and urged members to work in unison. He said that it was the time to pursue a common goal from the same approach.

The governor commended the outgoing chairman, Emma Otti who he said “stood in the gap” when the party was in turmoil in the state. He equally encouraged him not to abandon the party now as more assignments could be given to him in future to execute.

The new chairman , Mr. Peter Azubuike thanked the party faithful for reposing such trust in them and assured of delivering positive results in 2027.

During an interview with journalists, the chairman who spoke tough said he would leverage the success of the party in governance to secure more wins in 2027.

“The truth is that we’re already starting on a good note. We have a good governor and the state is already on its high-rising. As for the party, what we will do is to support the government to ensure that we retain the seat come 2027 and I can assure you it’s not under probability whether we will or not.

“As for the government house come 2027, Labour party is already seated there, that’s one assurance we can give you, he said.

The chairman continued, “As to what we’re bringing new to the party, we’re going to bring in more energy, bring in vigour, we’re going to do serious membership drive to ensure that if there are aspects of Abia that are not yet captured by the labour party, we ensure we go into every nook and cranny of the state to make sure we capture it, he said.

“

He further dismissed the All progressives Congress as a viable opposition party, saying they’re only pretending in the state to negotiate for a benefit from president Bola Tinubu.

“The only place APC exists outside Abia is Abuja. In Abia, I can assure you that if we even want to count opposition’s, APC is not even the first, they’re not even the second. For those who can actually attest to the realities on ground, they will let you know clearly that some of those who portray themselves as opposition maybe under the guise of APC, they’re doing that probably to see what they can get from Mr. President.

“I can assure you that this is no longer time for merchandising politics. Abians know fully well that Abia is Labour party,” he said.

On the lingering leadership tussle at the national level, Mr. Azubuike said the party was not in trouble anymore in the party as their issued had been resolved.

“I can tell you we used to have crisis in Labour party , but as at today, we’re no longer having crisis, the party has been fully recovered,” he concluded.

The national convention of the party is scheduled for the 28th of April, 2026 at the International Conference Centre, in Umuahia, Abịa State.

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Member of house of Representatives for Ikwuano Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha has said that his strongest and biggest impact is in his ability to speak up when others choose look away.

He said his stance on the jailed leader of indigenous people of Biafra has not and will not change for some reasons.

Hon. Aguocha while answering questions from bloggers in his country home in Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North local government area of Abia said that having been classmates with Mazi Kanu in primary and secondary schools and their late parents being friends, he is tied to the case.

“My advocacy is that kanu and 720 Igbos in detention are given fair hearing,” he said.

Hon. Aguocha stated that he was able to question the administration of criminal justice in the country through the case recalling how Sunday Igboho was freed when his people rallied round him.

He said he didn’t regret speaking up and would continue until he regained freedom,adding that he had lost a lot as a result.

“If majority of the people have done 10% of my efforts for Nnamdi Kanu, the situation would have been easier.

“People just ignored Kanu. The yorubas never abandoned Igboho Sunday and this is what we have failed to do.

“I have spoken out in his favour. We were classmates at Library Avenue primary school where the government house is now and classmates at government college, Umuahia and have family ties with him.

“Nnamdi has confidence in me to speak for his release. I have lost a lot calling for his release. I like what my governor has done. I will keep speaking on it,” he said.

Continuing he said “God has given me a platform I didn’t deserve to represent a people. There’s no rule book as to how I do it. I’m resourceful.

When asked if he was a member of IPOB, he responded in the negative.“I’m not an IPOB member but I believe in their ideology of Biafra which is a mindset.

If it’s about giving equal opportunities to Igbos, then I’m for it. We deserve a seaport, railway system……. ……..agitations will continue because of marginalisation,” he added.

He equally said he didn’t see the organisation as a terrorist bodyThe reps member also disclosed that he believed more in empowerment of greater impact which is education more than providing tricycles and motorbikes to his constituents.

He said that in the coming days, he would unveil his scorecard in over three years of representation for his constituency to assess him.According to him, some people had represented the constituency but lacked knowledge of the areas and their needs.

On what he thinks about deputy speaker Ben Kalu’s perceived gubernatorial aspiration, the federal legislator said that it was within his rights as a citizen to aspire for any position.“Hon. Ben kalu is entitled to his aspirations whether as a legislator or for governor.

I don’t believe there’s a vacancy in the state. The people have seen the good works the governor has done. The people will be the ones to decide.

He also posited that his party-Labour party did not have a leadership crisis and assured that he was not moving to any other political party.

On whether he entertained fears of his supposed opponents, he said they should secure tickets first from their parties, saying he had an edge over them as someone who had verifiable footprints in representation which wasn’t available prior to 2023 general election.