A researcher and political analyst based in Abia state, Dr. Ujo Justice, has cautioned Governor Alex Otti to stop media attack on the immediate-past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, over his call for the creation of Aba State.
The public affairs commentator described Prince Ikonne’s call as patriotic, adding that the call for creation of Aba state was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation.
The former NALDA boss had on Thursday criticized Governor Otti’s stand against the creation of additional state for South-east but commended Imo state governor Hope Uzodimma’s stand for the new state.
Responding to the report, Governor Otti through his media aide Ferdinand Ekeoma, in a statement titiled “Aba State Creation: Paul Ikonne Needs Help to Salvage His Hate-ravaged Mind”, described former NALDA boss as “hate-ravaged,” mind.
Speaking with newsmen on Friday, the Abia born Dr. Ujo Justice, however, cautioned the Alex Otti’s state government against media bullying, saying the governor’s statement” is not a defense of governance, but an attempt to silence dissent. Resorting to insults, distorting past events, and questioning academic credentials without proof is nothing but intellectual laziness.”
According to Dr. Justice, Paul Ikonne is not an opportunist. He is not seeking appointment. He is not playing to the gallery. He is asking the hard questions that many are too afraid to ask.
He said: “Prince Paul Ikonne did not incite division; he illuminated reality. His call for the creation of Aba State was a legitimate political expression rooted in the quest for equity, development, and fair representation — a demand many leaders from the South East, including progressive voices across party lines, have long echoed.
“Rather than engage with the merit of his argument, the Governor’s media aide descended into personal insults, calling Ikonne “hate-ravaged,” “infantile,” and “clannish.” Such vile expressions should have no place in public discourse, especially from the office of a sitting governor.
“In truth, Ikonne’s words were firm but patriotic. And in a democracy, that should be respected.”
In contrary, the political analyst said Dr. Alex Otti, who has consistently positioned himself as a technocrat, but his arguments against state creation lack the nuance and sensitivity expected of a leader governing a multi-ethnic and politically conscious state like Abia.
“It is on record that Governor Otti, in 2020, wrote against the creation of additional states, citing economic impracticality. While that is a valid intellectual concern, what he fails to admit is the underlying injustice in Nigeria’s current state structure — particularly against the South East which remains the only region with five states. This imbalance directly affects representation, federal appointments, and resource allocation.
“Ikonne’s position was not that of a sectional warrior, but of a nationalist calling for correction of a decades-long injustice. To reduce that to clannishness is either a deliberate misrepresentation or a poor grasp of political history.”
Dr. Justice said rather than focus on real governance challenges, the Governor’s aide took a deep dive into history, hurling unverified allegations from as far back as 2007 on Prince Paul Ikonne.
“As Commissioner for Lands, Ikonne introduced reforms that streamlined land allocation and usage.
“As Executive Secretary of NALDA, he led federal agricultural projects that empowered farmers in states across the country, despite limited collaboration from some state governments.
“His approach to public service has always been focused on productivity and results — not media drama.
“The accusation that he “neglected Abia” while serving at NALDA is disingenuous. National appointments require national scope. That Abia did not benefit from NALDA as Ekeoma claimed is a reflection of non ethnic bais and should have a more reflection of poor synergy from state actors than any failure on Ikonne’s part.”
He also called that Paul Ikonne’s advocacy for Aba did not start recently.
“Long before it became politically fashionable to pose with potholes for the cameras, Ikonne had spoken passionately about the economic potential of Aba and the need for strategic investment in its people.
“The current government may be renovating roads and repainting walls, but cosmetic development without political inclusion is not enough. Ikonne simply asked, “Where are the Aba indigenes in this government? Where is their voice in this administration?” That question deserves an answer — not a tantrum.”
While calling for a better politics in Abia state, the political analyst said: “As researcher, and proud son of Abia, I can boldly say that this state deserves more than bitter media wars and vendetta-driven communication. It deserves leadership that welcomes criticism, not one that weaponizes press releases to hound political opponents.
“If the current government has any confidence in its performance, it should focus on delivering its promises, not throwing mud at those who dare to speak.
” Prince Paul Ikonne is a visionary, a patriot, and a political bridge-builder. History will remember him for his courage, consistency, and conviction — not for the lies peddled by those threatened by the truth.
“Let us rise above media mudslinging and return to politics of ideas, vision, and service. Abia is watching.”
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