The events of the past few weeks in Abia state is by every means appalling, regrettable, a rape of democracy and the common destiny of the Abia people. The level of political awareness in Abia state is at kindergarten level, the people seem to be comfortable with status quo and the present state of affairs in the state. If not, how would one explain the fact that T.A Orji who failed woefully has succeeded in rewarding the failure of his administration with a senate seat for himself, the position of the speaker to his son, Chinedu Orji and ultimately imposing his stooge as the next governor of the state.

Are there really human beings in this state? Are there really leaders of thought in Abia State? Some people have conceded to the fact that he used the power of incumbency to foist his inordinate desires on the people of the state. But on the contrary, is Abia the only state that has an incumbent governor? Let’s take for instance the events that occurred at the just concluded PDP primaries. The candidates of the governors of Delta, Ebonyi and Enugu State failed to secure the party’s ticket even when these governors performed creditably well in office. Thanks to the enlightened delegates who knew what they wanted.

In Rivers State, Nyesom Wike clinched PDP ticket even when he is from the same zone with Chibuike Amaechi. In the last Ekiti governorship election, the solid electorates of the state spoke with one voice by voting against the incumbent governor Kayode Fayemi even with all the powers and trappings of his office. The same happened in Imo State when Imo people stood their ground and sent Ikedi Ohakim packing. We can go on and on to give instances to buttress my point that Abia people are not politically mature. Can this ever happen in Abia state where every governor comes to turn the state into his private estate? Even if the people end up not making the best choice, it underscores the ultimate fact that power belongs to the people. Untill we get to this level in Abia State; we shall continue to wallow in underdevelopment and bad governance.

Ndi Abia should be ready for another 8 years of darkness, ineptitude and irresponsibility. I wonder why we have allowed zoning to eat deep into our bone marrow. Other states are not emphasizing zoning this much the way it is being promoted and celebrated in Abia State over credibility, track records, proven leadership qualities and the political will to effect change.
Unarguably, Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, OON, FCA is the yearning, desire and the wish of Abia people. They have seen light in darkness and their hope rekindled in USO. Quite alright, it is not over until it is over but the success or otherwise of this project depends on the masses. Yes, people have been calling on him to join another party.

In response to this call on him to defect to another political party, I ask this very fundamental question, are the people ready for change? Are they ready to vote and defend their vote no matter the level of intimidation? If the answer is no, the only thing I can tell Abians is sorry because they have just boarded a train to another 8 years of doom as the ugly trend continues.