OPINION: PDP’s Social Media Roadshow Against Gov. Alex Otti, Very Distressing – Chuks Akamadu, ESQ

For the avoidance of doubt, I grant that Dr. Alex Otti is neither infallible nor is he beyond reprimand. I concede also that having asked for his current job, that he should be kept on his toes, because the success or failure of his administration would have huge impact on both the well being of Ndi Abia – regardless of their individual party affiliations – and the corporate future of Abia State.

In deference to this democratic imperative, I find the ongoing social media roadshow by Abia Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members very distressing. The bile is never seen in history. The hate is strong, and its accent is even stronger! Very condescending language is freely deployed just to run a tar brush on every pronouncement and action of Governor Otti.

Yes, I appreciate how deep the cut of March 11 is. I also have taken due cognizance of the accompanying humiliation and uncertain future that stares PDP members – especially those of them that do not have visible means of livelihood – in the face. But emotion aside, Governor Otti is not Abia PDP’s nemesis. The true “culprit”, if any, is the teeming Abia electorate who overwhelmingly voted Labour Party and Dr. Otti into power. The disparity in lawful votes cast refers, please. So, the rabid attack on the people’s governor is as misplaced as it’s misdirected.

Again, I wish to reiterate that Governor Otti should be called out in the event of a poorly-thought out policy, unethical practices or shoddy policy implementation, and not the current impulsive hurling of insults at Abia’s Number One citizen just because of how he sips or gulps water. This is infantile and beneath every well-meaning Abian.

Please let us note that the business of governance is a serious matter and what is at stake is the well being of Abia and Ndi Abia. PDP should stop trivializing it and embrace the noble job of “opposition”. They need to purge themselves of Ottiphobia and begin to engage the current administration, within the borders of decency, on elevated issues of public policy and governance. Where government makes a wrong move, they should point it out and share with Ndi Abia what PDP’s alternative viewpoint on the subject is, so the people could be at liberty to reach informed judgement and objective decisions.

Governor Otti’s is, without disputation, a disruptive government with its attendant shock; the best way for the PDP to engage meaningfully, at this point, is to cease spewing fury and frustration, do some rigorous exercise in both soul-searching and stock-taking as well as brace up for the tedious task (art, if you like) of opposition. Abia belongs to all of us, and together we can make it great.

God bless Abia State.

Chuks Akamadu, ESQ.

Umuokehi Obiohuru,

Ohuhu,

Umuahia North LGA.