A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has urged residents of the state to be more courageous in the New Year by demanding accountability from the Governor Alex Otti-led administration and insisting on effective governance at the grassroots.
Ikonne specifically called on Abians to press the state government to allow Local Government Authorities to operate independently and efficiently, describing the councils as critical drivers of development at the community level.
In a New Year message personally signed by him on Thursday, the former Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority said meaningful progress in Abia could only be achieved when local councils are allowed to function without undue interference.
He charged Governor Otti to embrace this responsibility in 2026 by restoring full autonomy to the councils, stressing that governance must be felt directly by the people at the grassroots.
According to him, local governments remain the tier of government closest to the people and are best positioned to deliver essential services and stimulate development across communities.
He said, “As the dawn of this new year breaks, I stand with every Abian, filled with hope and determination. Abia is a land blessed with industrious people, rich culture, and boundless potential. Yet, we know that greatness is not achieved by words alone, it is built through action, accountability, and leadership that serves the people first.
“In this 2026, I encourage every Abian to rise with courage and ask the right questions of those in power. Let us demand transparency, accountability, fairness, and a government that listens to its citizens. A better Abia begins when the voices of the people are heard and respected.
“One critical step toward progress is allowing our Local Government Authorities to function freely and effectively. Local governments are the closest to the people; they are the engines of grassroots development. When they are empowered, roads are built, schools are supported, healthcare reaches our communities, and jobs are created. Without them, progress stalls and our people suffer.
“I call on governor Alex Otti to honor this responsibility in the new year. Let our councils breathe again, let democracy flourish at the grassroots, and let Abians feel the impact of governance in their daily lives.”
While wishing the people of the state a prosperous New Year, the APC chieftain expressed optimism about Abia’s future, insisting that true greatness would only be achieved through inclusive governance and the empowerment of the people.
He added, “Abia shall be great again, not by silencing the people, but by empowering them. Not by concentrating power, but by spreading it to every corner of our land. Together, we will build a state where hope is not just a dream, but a reality lived by every family.
“Happy New Year, Abians. The journey to greatness has begun, and it begins with you.”
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