A political group, the Abia Interest Association (ABIA), has called on Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, to shift his focus from international economic models and concentrate on the performance of the Labour Party-led government in Abia State.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, ABIA, led by Hon. Eze Chikamnayo, criticized Obi’s recent trip to Indonesia where he engaged in high-level discussions on economic development, security, education and poverty alleviation.
During the visit, Obi praised Indonesia’s development strides, noting that its per capita income had risen from $1,136 in 2004 to $5,000 in 2024, a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s stagnation around $1,000.
However, the APC-aligned group argued that Obi’s energy would be better spent evaluating and addressing issues within Abia State, the only state currently governed by the Labour Party under Governor Alex Otti.
“We do not need lectures on Indonesia, India, or Egypt,” the group stated.
“If Peter Obi is truly interested in good governance, he should start from Abia. That’s where his party holds power, and that’s where his credibility begins.”
ABIA raised allegations of mismanagement of over N54 billion purportedly allocated to public school projects in Abia, questioning the absence of verifiable data such as school names, locations, contractors, or completed structures.
“It is hypocrisy to talk about transparency at the federal level while ignoring corruption and opacity in your own backyard,” the group said.
“Where are the smart schools? What happened to the billions budgeted for them?”
ABIA further criticized the state’s handling of federal allocations and refund funds under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
They argued that despite receiving over N1.5 trillion in federal funds, Abia’s visible development remains minimal.
The group mocked a recent visit by the Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, who commissioned what they described as a mere “refurbished hall and a few kilometers of re-asphalted streets.”
“We commend President Tinubu for not allowing himself to be drawn into the embarrassment of endorsing these inflated, underwhelming projects. His absence from that event speaks volumes,” they stated.
ABIA concluded by calling on Peter Obi to ensure the same standards of accountability he demands at the national level are upheld within Labour Party-led states, particularly in Abia.
“Leadership begins at home. Before pointing fingers at others, look inward and lead by example,” the group said.
