Abia PDP Condemns Governor Otti’s Move to Reduce LG Chairmen’s Tenure to Two Years
Umuahia, Nigeria- The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized Governor Alex Otti over his alleged move to reduce the tenure of elected Local Government Chairmen from four years to two years through the State House of Assembly.
Describing the proposal as unconstitutional and undemocratic, the PDP warned that such a move threatens the rule of law and undermines democratic institutions in the state.
In a statement released by the party's state chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, the PDP called on Governor Otti to reconsider his decision and focus on pressing governance issues, such as unpaid pensions and financial transparency, rather than what they termed "politically motivated maneuver."
The PDP rejected any attempt to alter the tenure of duly elected council chairmen and urged the Abia State House of Assembly to uphold the integrity of the electoral process by resisting the proposal.
The party stated, Democracy thrives on predictability and respect for established rules. The Local Government elections were conducted based on a four-year tenure, and those elected were sworn in accordingly. Attempting to alter their tenure retroactively is not only a gross miscarriage of justice but also tantamount to rigging the system in favor of a predetermined outcome.
Comparing the situation to gubernatorial tenure, the PDP questioned how Governor Otti would feel if the President of Nigeria attempted to reduce governors tenure from four years to two. The party argued that such an action would be seen as unjust, destabilizing, and a direct attack on democracy.
The opposition party further warned that if the Governor succeeded in altering the local government tenure, it could set a dangerous precedent where future administrations might attempt to arbitrarily reduce or extend tenures for political reasons.
Undermine the credibility of governance at all levels.
Expose the democratic process to manipulations.
Threaten political stability in Abia State and Nigeria at large.
If your government proceeds with this plan, it would open the door for future leaders to alter gubernatorial tenure in Abia State, just as you are attempting to do at the local government level. This could mean a future administration might arbitrarily truncate your tenure before it is due to end, using the same legislative maneuvering you now seek to deploy, the party stated.
Rather than pursuing what the PDP describes as an unconstitutional agenda, the party urged Governor Otti to channel his administrations energy and resources into addressing real issues affecting the people of Abia State.
Unpaid pensions and salary arrears- The PDP accused the Governor of failing to fulfill his campaign promises regarding pension payments.
Financial transparency- The opposition party called for greater accountability in the state's s finances.
Good governance and stability- The party emphasized that leadership should be about fairness, transparency, and adherence to democratic principles.
The PDP reminded Governor Otti that his actions today would determine how history remembers his administration.
"Leadership is measured by one's s ability to govern fairly, transparently, and accountably”not by seeking to undermine democratic institutions for political convenience. History will judge this administration by the decisions it takes today. Will you be remembered as a leader who upheld democracy or as one who manipulated the system for personal or political gain?
As tensions rise over the controversial proposal, all eyes are on the Abia State House of Assembly and whether they will move forward with the legislation or reject it in favor of upholding the democratic process.
