By Uche Aguoru


Opposition is a crucial component of any successful democracy. Throughout history, no government, not even military regimes, has successfully suppressed opposition. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely stated, "If we want to cultivate a true spirit of democracy, we cannot afford to be intolerant. Intolerance betrays a lack of faith in one's cause." 


Effective leaders should surround themselves with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree without fear of being suppressed, oppressed, or intimidated. 


Gov Otti why waste so many resources in your efforts to stifle dissenting voices and subdue political opposition, why so much fear and apprehension for the shadow cabinet announced by the PDP which only seeks to mirror the policies and activities of your government?


What other offense did the opposition commit against you other than asking for transparency and to show Abians where the ₦6.5 billion  Recreational Center which you claimed to have built is located?


Where can Abians find the ₦3.3 billion  ICT center?


Is it a crime to ask you to show us the beneficiaries of the Agric Seedling program which you budgeted ₦4.1bn for and funds were allocated for it?


Are we asking for too much by calling on you to show us where the schools that you claimed to have used ₦11 billion of Abia money to renovate?


How is it an offense to ask for the results and breakdown of the ₦6.1 billion that you claimed to have spent on Research and Capacity building?


Mr. Governor, no amount of intimidation and harassment can stop the people of Abia from asking these essential questions. Using security agencies as tools for intimidation, harassment, and media suppression only highlights the alarming decline Abia has experienced under your leadership.


Slamming every opposing voice with lawsuits and raising baseless petitions against me and other vocal members of the PDP, labeling us as IPOB, and accusing us of being behind the killings of security personnel in the state only reveals your desperation and will not deter us from seeking accountability. 


You enjoyed unhindered privilege as an opposition leader, and you accused the then government of all manner of maladministration and faux pas, but you were never at any time harassed or intimidated.


You enjoyed your time as an opposition leader, freely accusing the previous government of various wrongdoings without ever facing harassment or intimidation. It is our constitutional right, one that you too enjoyed, to ask pertinent questions and demand clarity on governance issues. 


The only way your administration can rise above this shadow is by introducing transparency and clarity into its operations and financial dealings. Even Adolf Hitler, whom you seemingly emulate in your governance style, could not successfully suppress the Jewish people.


Lastly Mr. Governor Sir, You only won the election, you did not conquer Abia and Abians.


Aguoru is a Public Affairs Advocate