By Chinazaekpere Chinwendu
Abia State |December 31, 2025
Former Abia governorship candidate and founder of the OAU foundation, Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche (OAU) has called on political actors across party lines in Abia State to embrace constructive opposition as a vital pillar of democracy, while warning that needless distractions and personal attacks only weaken state progress.
In a statement issued to reporters in Umuahia, Akym reflected on the role of opposition in strengthening governance and accountability.
He emphasized that opposition is not an enemy of government but a necessary force that helps refine policies, expose weaknesses, and promote better decision making. According to him, when opposition parties and voices focus on ideas, facts, and alternatives, governance improves and citizens benefit from more responsive leadership.
“Opposition is meant to shape government, not to destroy it,” Akym said. “In every functioning democracy, it is the responsibility of the opposition to question policies, suggest better options, and hold leaders accountable in a way that promotes growth and stability.”
He, however, expressed concern that politics in Nigeria is increasingly characterized by distractions, including personal vendettas, misinformation, and theatrics that add little value to public discourse. OAU noted that such practices divert attention from pressing national issues such as unemployment, insecurity, workers’ welfare, and economic hardship.
“When opposition turns into noise and distractions, progress suffers,” he stated. “Our people are not interested in political drama. They want solutions, jobs, security, and a government that works for them.”
Speaking further, Akym commended the governor for his steadfast commitment to the advancement of Abia State, praising his consistent drive toward infrastructural development, economic growth, and improved governance. He noted that the governor’s unrelenting efforts reflect a clear vision for progress and a determination to translate policies into tangible benefits for the people, adding that such purposeful leadership is critical to sustaining development and strengthening public confidence in government.
Onyekwere Akym therefore urged politicians to prioritize Abia's progress over partisan gain, stressing that constructive criticism should be rooted in facts and driven by the desire to improve governance. He said leaders must understand that politics is ultimately about service and responsibility, not constant conflict.
“Our democracy will only mature when politicians learn to disagree responsibly,” Akym said. “You can oppose policies without opposing the state's progress. You can criticize leadership without undermining unity and stability.”
He also called on elected officials and aspiring leaders to engage the public with honesty and clarity, rather than weaponizing opposition for personal relevance. According to him, the energy spent on distractions could be better invested in policy research, constituency engagement, and legislative solutions that directly impact citizens’ lives.
Hon Onyekwere Akym Uche concluded by appealing to Nigerians to demand more from both the government and the opposition, insisting that accountability, maturity, and issue based politics are essential for sustainable development.
“The future of our democracy depends on how well we balance opposition with responsibility,” he added.
0 Comments