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NEWS

Osun 2026: Amnesty International Targets Fadahunsi, Says ‘We’ll Use Him as an Example’

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Amnesty International has vowed to make Senator Francis Fadahunsi a test case in its campaign against political incitement and inflammatory statements ahead of Saturday’s Osun State governorship election.

The organisation’s Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said on Thursday that Amnesty International would pursue accountability over alleged comments attributed to the senator and ensure that the matter attracts international attention.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Sanusi reacted to a viral video allegedly showing Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, making remarks interpreted as a call for violence against supporters of the Accord Party.

“We are going to use him as an example,” Sanusi declared, arguing that politicians must no longer be allowed to make statements capable of triggering violence without facing consequences.

He described the alleged statement as particularly serious because, according to him, the senator was captured on record making words interpreted as an instruction to “kill them wherever you find them.”

Fadahunsi, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has come under intense criticism following the circulation of the video.

The Osun State Police Command had summoned the senator over the controversy and questioned him for about two hours on Wednesday.

Sanusi said Amnesty International views advocacy of hatred and incitement to violence as serious matters that demand an urgent response from the authorities.

He maintained that the organisation would not relent in its efforts to challenge impunity among political actors, particularly during elections when inflammatory rhetoric can escalate tensions.

“I believe that that person does not deserve any peace again, because advocacy of hatred is a crime under international law as well as Nigerian laws,” Sanusi said.

Amnesty International Nigeria had earlier called on authorities to hold Fadahunsi accountable, accusing him of allegedly instructing supporters to kill members of the Accord Party during a campaign ahead of the August 15 election.

The organisation warned that statements advocating violence, whether delivered publicly, online or during political campaigns, could endanger lives and threaten the peaceful conduct of the electoral process.

The controversy has further heightened concerns surrounding Saturday’s election, with stakeholders warning against hate speech, intimidation, vote-buying and other activities capable of undermining a peaceful democratic exercise.

For Amnesty International, the Fadahunsi case could become a defining warning to politicians: electoral ambition, the organisation insists, must never become a licence for incitement or violence.

NEWS

NYSC DG Hails Otti Over Peaceful Abia, Says 8,890 Corps Members Serving Across State

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The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has commended Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for corps members serving across the state.

Brigadier General Nafiu gave the commendation on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, when he led a delegation of the NYSC management on a courtesy visit to Governor Otti at his office.

The NYSC boss disclosed that 8,890 corps members are currently serving in Abia State, comprising 5,083 females and 3,805 males.

According to him, the higher number of female corps members serving in the state is a significant indicator of the prevailing peace and security in Abia.

“To us in NYSC, especially at the management level, any State where you find more female corps members than male, it speaks to something, and that is that there is peace,” Brigadier-General Nafiu stated.

He explained that the NYSC does not deploy corps members to areas considered unsafe, stressing that corps members have been deployed to all 17 Local Government Areas of Abia State.

The DG noted that this is unlike some states where security concerns have made it impossible for the NYSC to deploy corps members to certain locations.

NYSC Camp Renovation Gets Fresh Boost

Brigadier General Nafiu also applauded the Otti administration for the ongoing renovation of the NYSC Orientation Camp at Umunna, Bende Local Government Area.

He specifically commended the renovation of the hostels and multipurpose hall, as well as the installation of solar-powered streetlights, describing the interventions as evidence of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare and experience of corps members serving in the state.

He equally appreciated Governor Otti for the upward review of the state allowance for corps members, noting that the decision has generated considerable excitement among corps members.

The NYSC DG expressed optimism that the second phase of the camp’s renovation would commence soon and be executed to the same standard as the first phase.

Abia Attracting More Medical Corps Members

Brigadier General Nafiu further highlighted Abia’s growing appeal as a destination for medical corps members.

He disclosed that the state currently has 53 doctors, 53 pharmacists and 117 nurses, alongside other medical personnel serving under the NYSC scheme.

He said the willingness of medical professionals to serve in Abia is another indication that the state is increasingly being regarded as a safe and conducive environment for national service.

Otti Approves Second Phase of NYSC Camp Renovation

Responding to the NYSC delegation, Governor Otti directed the immediate commencement of the second phase of renovation and infrastructural interventions at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Umunna.

The Governor said his administration had already completed substantial work under the first phase and had approved the next phase of the project.

“And I’m glad with the progress that we have made, though we are not there yet. So, work will start very soon. I already have approved it,” Governor Otti stated.

Governor Otti also expressed satisfaction with the number of healthcare professionals currently serving in Abia through the NYSC programme, noting that their presence could help address some of the manpower gaps in the state’s healthcare system.

He disclosed that his administration had revitalised about 200 primary healthcare centres, while another 77 were renovated through World Bank support. According to him, 151 of the facilities had been functionalised as of Monday, with another 49 ready to commence operations.

The Governor explained that his administration had sought to recruit 861 healthcare professionals but received only 605 successful applicants, leaving a significant manpower gap.

He said the availability of NYSC doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other healthcare professionals could provide temporary support while the state works to bridge the gap through permanent recruitment.

“So, with this number of NYSC healthcare professionals, we may not be looking for that number, but of course, it’s short term, because after a year they will leave. But at least they will fill the gap,” Otti said.

Governor Otti consequently appealed to the NYSC management to consider deploying more healthcare professionals to Abia in subsequent batches, stressing that healthcare remains a major priority of his administration.

He assured the NYSC leadership of the state government’s continued cooperation and support.

The visit further underscored the growing partnership between the Abia State Government and the NYSC, particularly in the areas of youth development, healthcare delivery, infrastructure and the welfare of corps members serving in the state.

DEVELOPMENT

Abia Set to Host South-East’s First National Park as Otti Approves Landmark Conservation Initiative

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UMUAHIA — Abia State is set to take a major step in environmental conservation and eco-tourism following Governor Alex Otti’s approval for the establishment of what is being proposed as the first National Park in the South-East.

Governor Otti gave the approval on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received a delegation from the National Park Service, led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, at his office.

The Governor assured the delegation that the Abia State Government would give the initiative its full backing, describing the proposal as timely and consistent with the need to protect the state’s natural resources.

Interestingly, Governor Otti disclosed that he had earlier approved a request from the Commissioner for Environment for the tracing and identification of forest reserves across Abia State.

According to him, the state has 19 forest reserves, with 18 currently available for consideration. He said this provides an opportunity to develop conservation areas across the state’s 17 Local Government Areas.

“Coincidences just keep happening. Earlier this morning, I approved a request from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment for the tracing of forest reserves. Clearly, there is somewhere to start from,” Otti said.

Otti Directs Environment Ministry to Begin Work

To accelerate the initiative, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Environment to work closely with the National Park Service and relevant experts to identify the most suitable location for the proposed National Park.

He also announced plans to constitute a dedicated team, led by the Commissioner for Environment and involving climate-change and environmental experts, to guide the state through the process.

Emphasising the importance of conservation, Otti said technological advancement could never eliminate humanity’s dependence on nature.

“Nature is something you cannot do away with. Sometimes, when you think you have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important.”

The Governor also congratulated ACG Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General and thanked the National Park Service for bringing the initiative to the state.

National Park Could Transform South-East Conservation

Earlier, Dr. Ononogbu said the delegation’s visit was partly to remind Governor Otti of his previous commitment to establishing a National Park in Abia.

He described the absence of a National Park in the South-East as a major gap that needs to be addressed.

“The South-East has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Ononogbu said.

The Governing Council chairman argued that the proposed park would go beyond environmental conservation, potentially creating new economic and employment opportunities for Abia and the wider South-East.

Among the anticipated benefits are job creation, increased internally generated revenue, tourism development, investment attraction, improved environmental protection, enhanced security and potential reduction in crime.

Abia Asked to Identify Suitable Forest Reserve

The National Park Service requested that the Abia Government identify an appropriate forest or game reserve that could be upgraded to National Park status.

It also urged the state to constitute a committee to work with the Service and relevant experts and subsequently forward a formal proposal to the Minister of Environment or the Conservator-General of the National Park Service.

If successfully established, the proposed National Park could become a significant environmental, tourism and economic asset for Abia, while giving the South-East its first major federal conservation destination.

For Abia, the initiative could also complement the state’s broader efforts to preserve its natural heritage while opening new opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality, employment, investment and sustainable development.

WORLD NEWS

Karoline Leavitt to Leave White House Press Secretary Role, Trump Says

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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to leave her position at the end of August, President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday, in a major change to the communications team at the White House.

Trump said Leavitt, 28, is stepping away from the high-pressure position to spend more time with her young family. However, her departure from the White House press podium will not mark the end of her political involvement with the Trump administration.

In announcing her exit, Trump described Leavitt as one of his most trusted aides and said she would become one of his top outside advisers and remain an influential voice within the Republican Party as his administration prepares for the 2026 midterm elections.

Leavitt, who recently returned from maternity leave following the birth of her second child, daughter Viviana, in May, said the demands of the press secretary’s office had made it increasingly difficult to balance her responsibilities at the White House with motherhood.

She said she wanted to be fully present for her two young children while acknowledging the enormous time, energy and attention required to serve as the president’s principal spokesperson.

Her decision brings an unexpected change to a position she has held since January 2025 and which made her the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary.

Leavitt’s political relationship with Trump dates back to 2018, when she began working in the White House as an intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence during Trump’s first administration.

She later served as communications director for Republican Congresswoman Elise Stefanik and launched an unsuccessful congressional campaign in New Hampshire. Following that defeat, she joined Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, first working as a spokesperson for his MAGA Inc. super PAC before becoming national press secretary for his campaign in January 2024.

After Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, Leavitt became the face of his administration in its daily dealings with journalists.

Her tenure was marked by an aggressive communications style and a close alignment with Trump’s political messaging. She also became a prominent figure in the administration’s broader effort to expand access to White House briefings beyond traditional media outlets.

With Leavitt preparing to leave, attention will now turn to who Trump chooses to replace her. The White House has yet to announce her successor.

While her departure represents a significant change in the White House communications operation, Trump’s decision to retain her as an outside adviser suggests that Leavitt’s political influence is likely to continue.

Her next chapter could therefore take her away from the daily pressures of the White House briefing room while keeping her firmly within Trump’s political orbit ahead of the crucial midterm elections.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

DEPUTY GOVERNOR EMETU CELEBRATES WORLD YOUTH DAY, SAYS YOUTHS HOLD KEY TO ABIA’S FUTURE

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The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has extended his best wishes to the youths of Abia State as they celebrate World Youth Day, commemorated this year under the theme, “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.”

In his message, Emetu described Abia youths as a driving force behind the growth and progress of the state. He noted that although young people come from different backgrounds and have diverse experiences, they share common aspirations for a better, more inclusive, and prosperous future.

The Deputy Governor said he personally identifies with the hopes and dreams of young people, stressing that their energy, creativity, resilience, and innovative ideas are essential to making the Abia of everyone’s dreams a reality.

He further emphasised that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people across the state, particularly in skills acquisition, education, technology, entrepreneurship, and other areas that will enable them to contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy and society.

Engr. Emetu urged young people to remain focused, hopeful, and ambitious, charging them not to allow challenges to define or discourage them.

“Don’t let challenges stop you. Turn them into stepping stones. Use your talents to help build a better society,” he said.

He added: “No matter where we come from, we should not let it pull us apart. The things we hope for should bring us together. Abia youths are not just leaders of tomorrow; we are building Abia together today.”

The Deputy Governor also called on young people across the state to shun violence, division, and hopelessness, urging them instead to embrace unity, innovation, hard work, responsible citizenship, and positive contributions to society.

Engr. Emetu congratulated the youth of Abia State, assuring them that their aspirations and contributions are vital to shaping the future of the state.

“Together, we can build an Abia where every young person has the opportunity to rise, succeed, and truly make a difference.”

Happy World Youth Day to all Abia youths!

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
Government House, Umuahia
August 12, 2026.

POLITICS

2027 IS ALMOST HERE — SHINE YOUR EYES!

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Very soon, the campaign buses will roll out. The posters will flood the streets. Politicians will suddenly remember your village, your ward and your phone number.

There will be promises. There will be handouts. There will be sweet speeches.

DON’T BE DECEIVED!

Ask the hard questions.

What did they do before?
What have they achieved?
What happened to their previous promises?
Who truly benefits from their policies?
And most importantly—what will their leadership mean for your future?

A bag of rice can finish.
Money can finish.
A campaign promise can disappear.

But the consequences of your vote can last for years.

SHINE YOUR EYES. USE YOUR BRAIN. THINK FOR YOURSELF.

🇳🇬 2027: Don’t vote with pressure. Don’t vote with emotion. Vote with your eyes open.

POLITICS

ADC Chieftain Dele Momodu Backs Adeleke for Second Term, Urges Opposition to Unite Against APC in Osun

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A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has thrown his weight behind Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for a second term, urging opposition parties to put aside their differences and rally behind the Accord Party candidate ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, made his position known in a statement on Tuesday, despite being a member of the ADC, which is a rival opposition party.

He said his decision was driven by what he described as the need for opposition forces to adopt a practical strategy in Osun State rather than allow party interests and individual ambitions to undermine their collective strength.

Momodu explained that he joined the ADC because prominent opposition figures had sought to build a broad political coalition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to him, the coalition was intended to confront what he called the “APC cankerworm,” which he accused of contributing to economic difficulties, weakening social cohesion and undermining democratic institutions.

He said he had hoped the coalition would bring together leading opposition figures and avoid what he described as a “clash of egos” among political leaders.

However, Momodu acknowledged that the coalition did not develop as initially envisaged.

Despite this, he said he remained optimistic that Nigerians could still unite against the APC, particularly in states where opposition parties have a realistic opportunity to defeat the ruling party.

Why Momodu Chose Adeleke

Explaining his decision to support Adeleke, Momodu argued that the political situation in Osun required opposition parties to set aside their individual interests.

“It would be foolhardy not to see that with the manner APC has turned Osun State into a theatre of war, the only sensible strategy is for all opposition parties to align immediately and back the Accord Party candidate, Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.

Momodu stressed that his endorsement was not based on friendship or family connections.

Instead, he praised Adeleke’s performance in office, describing the governor as a “global phenomenon” and claiming that he could defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a popularity contest.

The ADC chieftain further described Adeleke as primus inter pares — first among equals — among Nigerian governors, citing what he regarded as achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, industrial relations, internally generated revenue, agriculture, commerce, culture, women empowerment and youth development.

Warning to Opposition Parties

Momodu also warned opposition parties against allowing their differences to create an opportunity for the APC to gain an advantage in the election.

He argued that opposition forces must recognise the political realities on the ground and work together rather than split their votes.

“We should never supply the APC an easy alibi to rig the Osun gubernatorial election on August 15, 2026,” he said.

His intervention adds another layer to an already closely watched Osun governorship contest, where party structures, opposition alliances and the popularity of the major candidates are expected to play significant roles.

While Momodu maintained that he remains a proud member of the ADC, his decision to publicly support Adeleke represents a notable example of political loyalty being placed alongside — rather than above — what he considers the broader objective of defeating the APC in the state.

The August 15 election is therefore shaping up not only as a contest for the Osun Government House, but also as a significant test of whether Nigeria’s opposition parties can overcome competing interests and coordinate their political strength at the ballot box.

Tech

From Nigeria to Africa: Tinubu Hails $3.1 Billion AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Deal Won by Nigerian Firm

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In a major win for Nigeria’s tech and trade credentials, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the selection of a Nigerian-owned company to lead one of Africa’s most ambitious trade integration projects.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat has signed a 20-year, $3.1 billion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bergmans Security Consultant and Supplies Limited for the AfCFTA Customs Modernisation Project (ACMP). The agreement, signed in Abuja/Lagos on the sidelines of the Digital Trade Forum 2026, will be executed through Bergmans’ subsidiary, AfriTrade CMP Limited.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said the development is a powerful validation of Nigeria’s capacity to build homegrown solutions for the continent.
What Is The Project About?
This is not just another contract. The ACMP is the digital backbone AfCFTA needs to actually work.

According to the agreement, AfriTrade CMP will fund and deploy both digital and physical infrastructure to:
• Digitize customs processes and standardize cross-border procedures • Provide real-time cargo tracking and border management • Enable seamless trade-data exchange across participating African countries
AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene said the goal is to create “one digital customs system for Africa” — a continental, modern, interoperable customs system that will ensure all economic operators benefit from an expanded market.
Why Nigeria? The B’Odogwu Effect
Why did AfCFTA pick a Nigerian firm over established non-African giants who have offered similar services?

The answer is B’Odogwu.

Mene, who visited the Nigeria Customs Service headquarters in Abuja to inspect the system, described B’Odogwu — Nigeria’s indigenous Unified Customs Management System — as a model for Africa. He noted that while similar services had been offered by non-African companies, AfCFTA deliberately chose an African solution, underscoring the importance of African innovation.

B’Odogwu, first piloted in October 2024, has become central to Nigeria’s customs modernisation, alongside cargo tracking, surveillance, risk management and non-intrusive inspection. The Nigeria Customs Service has credited it with helping lift customs revenue by over 90%.

The programme is now being integrated with the National Single Window, launched in March 2026 to provide a single digital gateway for all cross-border trade processes.

For context, members of the Senate Committee on Customs, led by Senator Jibrin Isah, who joined the inspection visit, said they had become ambassadors of the system after seeing its operations firsthand.
The Bigger Picture: What Tinubu Said
President Tinubu framed the deal as proof of his administration’s Nigeria First policy in action.

He said what has been built and tested in Nigeria is now providing a model for the continent, stressing that African integration should involve Africans building solutions for African opportunities.
“The promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area will be realised when goods can move across African borders faster, at lower cost and with fewer barriers.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to contribute its experience, innovation and enterprise towards building an efficient and integrated African single market, while commending Bergmans, AfriTrade CMP Limited, Trade Modernisation Project Limited, the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, and the Nigerian professionals behind the system.

The Customs CG, Adewale Adeniyi, on his part, stressed that the lack of harmonised technology among African customs administrations remains a major impediment to AfCFTA implementation — a gap this 20-year PPP is designed to close.
Analysis: Why This Matters
This deal is bigger than customs:

1. Economic Sovereignty: For decades, Africa’s critical trade infrastructure was built and managed by foreign firms. A $3.1b concession to an African company is a strategic shift.
2. Revenue Diplomacy: Nigeria is no longer just exporting crude; it is exporting a tested governance technology that has already proven to boost revenue.
3. Jobs and Ecosystem: A 20-year project means two decades of high-skill jobs for Nigerian software engineers, data analysts, and logistics experts across the continent.

In short, Nigeria didn’t just win a contract — it set a template.

POLITICS

The Osun Test: Tinubu’s Home Advantage vs. Adeleke’s Street Power

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All eyes are on Osun State this Saturday.

Beyond party flags and campaign slogans, this election has turned into a referendum on one powerful question: How much is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s influence really worth at home?

On paper, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should have an edge. Osun is widely regarded as President Tinubu’s ancestral state, and the President has just been affirmed as the APC’s presidential candidate for 2027 after scoring 100,880 votes in the Osun presidential primary. His candidate for this governorship race, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, emerged through a primary that the Presidency itself praised for its unity.

But politics on the ground in Osogbo and Ede tells a different story.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, the dancing senator turned incumbent, has masterfully played his own card. While being a PDP governor, he has consistently hailed Tinubu as a “true democrat” and publicly aligned with the President on national issues. That relationship has confused voters and fueled rumours of a secret deal – rumours that the APC candidate’s camp has been forced to publicly dismiss as “mischievous and unfounded” ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.

That is why this poll is so fascinating.

The Two Theories Colliding on Saturday:

Theory 1: The Tinubu Factor. The APC in Osun believes that with the President’s full weight, federal might, and ancestral connection, they can reclaim the state they lost in 2022. History shows Osun can swing, and no one understands its political machinery better than Tinubu’s loyalists.

Theory 2: The Adeleke Reality. Adeleke’s camp argues that Osun voters are too sophisticated to be swayed by Abuja. As his spokesperson bluntly put it, the APC should “perish the thought that President Bola Tinubu would help it to win the 2026 governorship poll”. The governor’s team insists performance, not presidential endorsement, will decide the election. APC chieftains themselves have admitted that endorsing Tinubu offers no immunity or guaranteed second term.

So what will it be? A homecoming victory engineered by the President for his party? Or a loud statement from Osun that good governance and grassroots connection trump presidential romance?

By Saturday night, we will have more than just a winner in Osun. We will have a clear preview of the limits of presidential power heading into 2027.

COMMENTARY

EMETU–KALU ALLIANCE, A FORMIDABLE FORCE FOR CONTINUITY AND PROGRESS IN OHAFIA SOUTH BY NNANNA ECHEME

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The enduring partnership between His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Lekwachi Emetu, FNSE, Deputy Governor of Abia State, and Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke (Etiokwe), Member Representing Ohafia South State Constituency, remains a cornerstone of political stability, grassroots development, and progressive leadership.

United by a shared vision of accountability and service, their synergy bridges the state government and the grassroots, driving infrastructure development, youth empowerment, quality representation, and inclusive governance.

As Abia State looks toward the future, this formidable alliance plays a vital role in consolidating support for the transformational leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, whose reforms have restored hope and positioned the state for sustainable growth. It is equally instrumental in highlighting the remarkable performance and dedicated constituency service of Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke.

Together, Deputy Governor Emetu and Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke represents a winning team dedicated to genuine service, community advancement, and the Labour Party’s vision for a prosperous Abia State.

We call on party faithful, stakeholders, and all well meaning citizens of Ohafia South to remain united in supporting continuity and good governance under Governor Alex Otti, ably supported by Deputy Governor Ikechukwu Emetu and Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke( Etiokwe).

Ahia Oma na ere onweya.

Nnanna Echeme,
writes from ndi Ubiri Ndi Inyima Compound, Amaekpu Ohafia.
07/08/2026.