Umuebeke stakeholders, Abubakar endorse Abia Assembly Speaker’s re-election bid

The stakeholders of Okporoenyi, Umuebeke, in the Nnetu community of Aba South Local Government Area, comprising landlords, party stalwarts and other community leaders, have unanimously endorsed the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, KSC, for a second-term re-election.

The stakeholders made the endorsement on November 9, 2026, during a consultation visit by the Speaker to the residence of Nze Donatus Mmadu at Umuebeke, Nnetu, Aba South.

The endorsement was made in one accord, with the stakeholders citing the Speaker’s outstanding performance, commitment to the development of Aba South State Constituency and people-oriented leadership.

Speaking on behalf of the stakeholders, Nze Donatus Mmadu described Rt. Hon. Emeruwa as a reliable fellow, long-standing ally and grassroots leader who had faithfully fulfilled the promises he made to them during the 2022 campaign. He said the Speaker had therefore earned their unwavering support for re-election.

Nze Donatus particularly commended Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, and Speaker Emeruwa for the proposed reconstruction of the Umuebeke Road, describing the project as a clear outcome of the robust working relationship between the Governor and the Speaker, alongside effective representation.

He noted that the reconstruction of the road would address concerns raised by residents, improve accessibility and significantly boost economic activities within the area.

Nze Donatus further appealed to the Speaker to ensure that work on the road was expedited to guarantee its timely completion.

Chief Elvis Ebrim, President-General of the Imo Indigenous Town Union, Abia State Chapter, who was present at the meeting, assured the Speaker that Imo indigenes residing in the area would vote for him, pledging their total support for his re-election bid.

Also speaking, Rev. Fr. Brendan Obiji Osinachi, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Parish, Umuebeke, Nnetu community, emphasised the need for diligence in the construction of the Umuebeke Road to ensure its durability and long-term benefits to the people.

He expressed confidence that the good governance being witnessed under Governor Otti and Speaker Emeruwa would continue.

Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, acknowledged the contributions of Nze Donatus Mmadu, the Church and other stakeholders, noting that they rallied support, stood by him and worked tirelessly towards his success in the 2023 elections.

The Speaker reassured the stakeholders that the approximately 14-kilometre Umuebeke Road would be reconstructed and fully executed, reflecting the state government’s commitment to the project.

He, however, explained that the construction of the tunnel in Nnetu must first be completed. According to him, the tunnel would serve as a drainage channel for floodwater within the area and permanently address the persistent flooding problem.

He noted that the tunnel would provide a solid foundation for the durable and lasting reconstruction of the Umuebeke Road for the benefit of residents.

Rt. Hon. Emeruwa affirmed that, with the continued support, cooperation and prayers of Aba South residents, the Governor Otti-led administration would sustain efforts to rebuild major roads in Aba gradually and firmly.

In their separate remarks, Hon. Ugwuzor Vincent, Director-General of the Emeruwa Campaign Council, and Mr. Paul Emeruwa stated that the support and tireless grassroots mobilisation efforts of Nze Donatus Mmadu and his structures contributed significantly to the Speaker’s success in the 2023 elections.

They expressed confidence that the same level of commitment would be demonstrated in the 2027 elections.

At the residence of Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Chidiebere Okoroafor, popularly known as Abubakar, convener of the Otti or Nothing Support Group, Speaker Emeruwa also received overwhelming support, solidarity and goodwill for his re-election bid.

Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Chidiebere described Speaker Emeruwa as an accessible, people-oriented and visionary leader who enjoys the confidence and trust of residents of Aba South State Constituency.

Abubakar stressed that the Speaker’s quality representation, coupled with the reconstruction of Ohanku and internal roads within the Umuosu axis by the Governor Otti-led administration, had made the re-election campaign a walkover.

He pledged to mobilise the full strength of his Otti or Nothing Support Group for the re-election of Governor Alex Chioma Otti and Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa.

He also appealed for adequate support for the group’s grassroots activities, noting that such assistance would strengthen, motivate and deepen its grassroots engagement and mobilisation ahead of 2027.

In his remarks, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Ihuoma Emeruwa, KSC, said there was no contention whatsoever about the re-election prospects of Labour Party candidates, adding that there would be a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.

He noted that Aba South State Constituency would present its best and called on his host, Rt. Hon. Ikechukwu Chidiebere Okoroafor, to support the process.

The Speaker also urged Abubakar to support other Labour Party candidates, emphasising collective strength, unity and the need for stakeholders to work together for the success of the party.

The Speaker was accompanied by Mr. Macdonald Nwankwo, Liaison Officer to the Abia Speaker; Hon. Chima Mbama; Hon. Godswill Abiayi; Mr. Ndubusi Ejeagba; Mr. Iheanyi Nwachukwu; Mr. Maxwell Ekpem; Mrs. Cecilia Uzozie; among others.