‎Turmoil Erupts In Abia Assembly As Majority Leader Allegedly Assaults Colleague Over Governor Otti’s Financial Disbursement

In a shocking incident that has sent ripples through the Abia State House of Assembly, chaos erupted during a closed-door meeting of the Labour Party (LP) caucus over the distribution of funds reportedly allocated by Governor Alex Otti. The confrontation escalated when Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, the Majority Leader representing Arochukwu Constituency, allegedly smashed a beer bottle over the head of his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye from Aba Central Constituency, resulting in a severe head injury and concussion for Ucheonye.

‎The altercation took place at the residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, the member for Osisioma Ngwa South, and was attended by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa. Eyewitnesses revealed that the Speaker attempted to suppress details of the incident, instructing those present to remain silent about the violence.

‎The dispute reportedly ignited when Hon. Ucheonye, the chair of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget, and Planning, demanded a larger portion of the funds, arguing that his committee played a significant role in the financial disbursement process. His demand provoked the Majority Leader, leading to the violent confrontation following a heated exchange of words.

‎Adding to the drama, just days after the violent incident, several lawmakers undertook a state-sponsored trip to London, which was said to have incurred nearly ₦1 billion in costs. Despite having recently been hospitalized, Ucheonye traveled first class and checked into the Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel in Croydon.

‎However, tensions flared again during the trip. Reports suggest that Speaker Emeruwa, his deputy Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Kalu withheld a portion of the funds that were allocated for the lawmakers’ allowances. Frustrated members alleged they received only 40% of their approved allowances, leading to another heated dispute that required intervention from hotel security.

‎The unfolding events have exacerbated existing rifts within the Labour Party caucus, with discontented lawmakers now allegedly considering plans to impeach the Speaker and other key officials for alleged financial mismanagement and misconduct upon their return to Nigeria.