A former scholar, Prof. Kalu Eni, has cautioned Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, against what he described as growing intolerance, political bitterness and unwarranted attacks on Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, warning that power is transient and character is ultimately what endures.
Invoking the words of one of America’s most revered leaders, Prof. Eni recalled Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote: “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” According to him, the statement aptly captures the current political atmosphere in Abia State.
He urged Governor Otti to pause and reflect on the lessons of history, pointing to the experiences of former governors such as Abubakar Audu and Kayode Fayemi, who, despite their popularity at different times, eventually lost power. “This is not abuse. It is a simple political lesson,” he stressed, adding that governance demands humility, listening, and restraint rather than verbal attacks on critics.
Prof. Eni also criticised the communication style of the governor’s aides, Ferdinand Ekeoma and Njoku Ukoha, arguing that their recent statements betray a lack of professionalism. “They are not trained media professionals. No serious media aide speaks with so much anger, insults, and lack of balance,” he said, describing their conduct as that of “political attack dogs, not spokespersons of a sitting governor.”
He argued that the tone of the aides’ responses reflects panic rather than confidence. “A government that is doing well does not fight everyone,” he added.
Reminding Governor Otti of his own political journey, Prof. Eni recalled how the governor sought support from stakeholders across Abia ahead of the 2023 elections. “Power did not come by magic. It was negotiated and supported by many interests,” he said, noting that losing an election is neither unprecedented nor catastrophic. “If Otti loses the 2027 governorship election, heaven will not fall. He will not be the first governor to lose, and Abia will still survive.”
The professor further expressed concern over what he described as the injection of religion into state politics, alleging that under the current administration, there is a perception that key appointments are influenced by religious considerations. He warned that such narratives are “dangerous and backward,” insisting that Abia “belongs to everyone” and must not be divided along religious lines.
Transparency in governance, he argued, is another major concern. According to him, Abians are largely in the dark about the actual cost of projects, the processes of contract advertisement, bidding and awards. “Everything looks like secret dealings. Governance should be open, not run like a private club,” he said.
Prof. Eni specifically advised Governor Otti to desist from attacking Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing both leaders as mature and restrained. He noted that the federal attention Abia currently enjoys is rooted in goodwill and long-standing political relationships. “That goodwill should not be abused or taken for granted,” he warned.
He also decried what he called rising intolerance in the state, alleging that opposition voices are being suppressed and critics treated as enemies. “Supporters of President Tinubu are insulted simply for their political beliefs. That is not democracy,” he said, stressing that true leadership accommodates dissent and free expression.
In his concluding remarks, Prof. Eni reminded the governor of a fundamental political truth: “Power is temporary. Respect lasts longer.” He cautioned that attacking federal leaders and their supporters would do little to advance Abia’s interests. “History is watching, and so are the people,” he said.
