Abia is not just a state in Nigeria; Abia or the city Aba is an economic lifeline for millions of Nigerians across the South-East and South-South even beyond. For decades, Aba city of Abia state has remained one of the largest indigenous commercial hubs in West Africa, hosting international markets that serve traders from Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, and beyond. Therefore, any political battle targeting the current government of Abia State, especially under this performing administration goes far beyond state politics. It becomes a direct assault on the livelihoods of people across these regions who knew Aba prior to this new government.
For years, traders and business people from these states suffered untold hardship due to decayed infrastructure, insecurity, and abandoned markets in Aba. Bad roads, particularly Port Harcourt Road which turned commercial activities into nightmares. Goods worth millions were destroyed by floods, vehicles broke down endlessly, and traders slept in markets or on highways out of fear. Many purchased goods only to lose them before even returning to their home states, my aunt who lives in portharcurt was a victim. This was not just Abia’s pain alone as the business men complaned of low sells; it was a regional economic tragedy.
Despite Aba being the source of income for countless families outside Abia State, successive administrations treated the city with neglect and disdain. People from Rivers State, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, and other South-Eastern states endured this suffering silently because Aba remained indispensable to their survival. The failure of leadership in Abia directly translated to poverty, frustration, and loss across the South-South and South-East.
The emergence of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, Nevertheless marked more than a political transition, it represented renewed hope for millions whose economic lifeline is tied to Aba. His administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal, security, urban renewal, and market sanitation sent a clear message that Aba is back. The reconstruction and restoration of Port Harcourt Road, stretching through key commercial and residential areas including Alaoji axis, is not just worth celebrating, it is historic let truth be told.
Ask traders from Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross river, akwa-ibom etc who commute daily to Aba. Ask residents around Port Harcourt Road who had lived for years in despair. Ask business owners whose warehouses were once submerged by floods. To them, Alex Otti’s governance is not politics, it is survival, dignity, and restored hope.
This is why any politician or political group fighting this current administration is not merely opposing a governor; they are provoking the anger of an entire economic community spread across multiple states. Such a fight attracts natural hatred and resistance, not only from Abians but from those whose livelihoods depend on Aba’s stability and growth. The backlash will not be local, it will be regional and national. Take note of that.
You cannot destroy the commercial heart that feeds millions and expect silence. You cannot sabotage progress that has eased decades of suffering and avoid consequences. Aba belongs to Nigeria, and its revival resonates far beyond Abia State.
Governor Alex Otti’s administration has rekindled confidence in governance, restored the pride of Aba, and re-energized the South-East/South-South commercial corridor. Any political war against this government is, without doubt, a war against the people, and the people will always fight back. Let us see how 2027 will respond to them.
Written by:
Comr. Sunnychukz Isaac
(Ichie Ijedimma Ejekwozo 1)
