Abia Liaison Officer Makes Case For More Political Participation

The Abia State Chief Liaison officer in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Hon. Iheanyi Chinasa has encouraged Abians to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to strengthen their political participation.

Hon. Iheanyi gave the charge on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 when the Abia Development Organization (ADO) paid him a courtesy visit.

He emphasized the need for the members and Abians to register and obtain their Permanent Voters’ Card PVC in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

He reminded them of the importance of the PVC as a tool to make their voice heard.

He assured his guests of the support of the governor of Abia State, led by His Excellency Dr Alex Otti, in ensuring the welfare of Abians resident in the Federal Capital City.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has said the number of registrations in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration in the South East recorded low turn out so far.

The Abia Development Organization, had called to familiarize with the liaison officer and to forge a synergy for the development and welfare of Ndi Abia in Abuja.

During the visit, the President-General of ADO, Mr. Victor Ogbonnaya, gave brief introductory remarks and presented members of the executive as well as representatives of the association who came for the familiarization visit.

In his remarks, the President-General explained that the visit was primarily to congratulate the Chief Liaison Officer on his recent appointment and to formally pledge the support of the Organization. He stated that ADO has the same faith and confidence in him as well as His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, Governor of Abia State, assured him of their continuous solidarity.

He further expressed the prayers of the Organization that this current appointment will not be the Chief Liaison Officer’s last, but rather a stepping stone to much higher responsibilities in service to the State and Nation. He noted that ADO firmly believes the Chief Liaison Officer will use his position to assist the Governor in achieving even greater performance and in deepening the ongoing reforms in Abia State.

He also on behalf of the organization requested the Chief Liaison Officer to convey to the Governor that the Abia Development Organization stands fully in support of the transformation agenda currently being driven in the State under His Excellency’s leadership.

The President-General further briefed the Chief Liaison Officer that preparations are ongoing for the Abia Day Celebration in 2025, which is intended to be the first of its kind in the Federal Capital Territory.

He explained that the event is scheduled for 25th October 2025 (subject to the Governor’s convenience) and will be used to showcase the remarkable achievements of the Governor in Abia State.

Accordingly, the Organization is seeking the consent and approval of His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, to grace the occasion in Abuja.

In addition, the Organization appealed to the Chief Liaison Officer to assist them in:

Securing a meeting space in Abuja, noting that their meetings are held every third Saturday of the month;

Obtaining a space to build a Civic Center in the FCT, which will serve as a rallying point for Abians and a hub for cultural, economic, and social activities; and

Facilitating the Governor’s approval for their request on free transportation for Abia indigenes in Abuja.

Also speaking, Mr. George Joseph from Abia South expressed appreciation to the Chief Liaison Officer for warmly receiving the delegation and, on behalf of Abia South, pledged their full support in the next upcoming election.

On his part, Engr. Chinoso from Abia Central encouraged His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, to remain focused, assuring that the people of Abia State are solidly behind his administration.

Contributing, Chief Harry Udeh from Abia North praised the Governor for the wonderful works he is doing in the State and requested the Chief Liaison Officer to convey their regards to His Excellency, affirming that “there is no vacancy in the Abia Government House in 2027.”

Lending her voice, Lady Charity Ohadiuha, the Woman Leader, commended the Governor for his people-oriented policies and appealed that a shopping space be created at the Abia House in Abuja, where Made-in-Abia products can be showcased and sold, thereby promoting local enterprise and empowering Abia indigenes in the FCT.

Also, Mr. Ekene, the Abia Youth Leader, praised the Governor, noting that the youth of Abia State are proud of his visionary leadership and stand ready to support his administration in driving sustainable development.

In his response, the Chief Liaison Officer expressed delight at receiving the delegation. He began by acknowledging the excellent work of the former Chief Liaison Officer, noting that they had worked closely together during his time as Liaison Officer to the National Assembly. He stressed that in line with the Governor’s vision for Abia, he has been charged to perform well in his new role, and the visit by ADO is a source of encouragement to him.

He emphasized that his primary assignment is the welfare of Abia indigenes in Abuja, of which ADO is an integral part. Speaking on the issue of free transportation for Abians in Abuja, he assured them that he will present their request to the Governor and the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, and will duly communicate the feedback to ADO.

On the proposed Abia Day Celebration, the Chief Liaison Officer promised to brief His Excellency, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, and to ensure that the chosen date works well with the Governor’s schedule.

On the matter of a permanent meeting venue, he assured them that before the end of the year, he will secure a space for their meetings — even if it means putting up a canopy outside to serve the purpose.

He further informed the delegation that plans are underway to provide interest-free loans to cooperatives, and he encouraged ADO to form a cooperative society (if they do not already have one) so they can benefit from the scheme.

He also noted that the current government is responsible in infrastructure and in every sector, and he thanked the Organization once more for their solidarity. He prayed for God’s guidance and safe return of all members to their various destinations.

He thanked the Organization for the confidence they have reposed in him and also expressed gratitude to the Governor for putting Abia State and Aba on the global map through transformative policies and initiatives.

Ending his speech, the Chief Liaison Officer thanked the delegation for the respect and honour accorded to him, assuring them that he, in turn, will continue to respect and support all their endeavours.

The visit provided an avenue for mutual understanding and reaffirmed the importance of synergy between the State Government, through the Liaison Office, and development-oriented associations like ADO.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Mr. Barnabas Obidike, who appreciated both the Governor and the Chief Liaison Officer for all the promises made during the engagement and prayed that God will grant them the wisdom and grace to fulfil them. The closing prayer was led by Nze.