APC governorship hopeful promises review of workers’ dismissals, better remuneration and independent market leadership
Eric Mucheya Opah, the APC governorship hopeful in Abia State, has outlined a series of proposed reforms covering the civil service, local government administration, market associations and the transport sector ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Opah made this known during a press briefing at his campaign office on Azikiwe Road, Umuahia, the Abia State capital, where he presented aspects of his proposed governance agenda.
He said his proposed administration would prioritise workers’ welfare and institutional reforms, arguing that effective governance must translate into improved working conditions and better economic opportunities.
On the civil service, he promised to review the cases of workers dismissed by the present administration, with a view to reinstating those found to have been unjustly disengaged.
He also expressed reservations about the reported eight-year retirement policy affecting directors in the state civil service.
According to him, the policy requires careful examination to ensure that qualified public servants are not prematurely retired.
Opah further promised to address concerns surrounding promotions and remuneration, insisting that workers should receive corresponding salary adjustments when promoted.
He said promotion without appropriate financial benefits could undermine workers’ morale and defeat the purpose of career progression.
On local government administration, the APC hopeful pledged greater transparency in the utilisation of local government funds.
He claimed that local governments currently receive no less than ₦350 million but questioned the state of infrastructure and facilities in several local government secretariats.
He said his administration would prioritise the provision of functional equipment, modern facilities and conducive working environments to enable local governments to discharge their responsibilities effectively.
The candidate also promised to respect the independence of market associations, particularly in the selection of their leadership.
He said his government would not interfere in the internal affairs of market associations or dictate who should lead them, maintaining that traders should be allowed to choose their representatives freely.
On transportation, Opah proposed liberalising the sector by reducing government control of transport operations and introducing greater competition.
He specifically questioned the arrangement involving government-managed motor parks, arguing that a more competitive transport environment could help reduce transportation costs for residents.
He said the state’s resources, if properly managed, should be sufficient to support workers’ welfare, strengthen local government administration and improve the business environment.
Opah maintained that his proposed APC administration would be guided by transparency, empathy and accountability, adding that its performance would be judged by practical results rather than social media publicity.
