“Civic Reception Misrepresented”: Group Defends Uche Ogah’s Praise for Otti
“The Abia Rejoice Movement has defended former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, insisting that his recent remarks praising governance reforms in Abia were made at a civic reception — not a Labour Party political rally — and were driven by patriotism rather than partisan politics.”
“A fresh political controversy is unfolding in Abia State as the Abia Rejoice Movement has strongly rejected claims by the All Progressives Congress (APC) that former minister Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah made anti-party remarks.
In a strongly worded statement, the group described the narrative as a “misrepresentation of facts,” insisting that Ogah’s comments were made during a civic reception meant to celebrate service and achievement, not at a partisan political gathering.”
The Abia Rejoice Movement has responded to a statement issued by the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), concerning remarks attributed to former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah.
According to the group, ordinarily, it would not have considered it necessary to react. However, it explained that a response became necessary “to prevent the public from being misled by narratives driven more by political convenience than facts.”
The movement clarified that the event where Dr. Ogah spoke “was not a Labour Party political gathering but a civic reception organised in honour of an illustrious son of Isuikwuato who currently serves as the Attorney General of Abia State.”
According to the statement, the occasion was intended to celebrate service, achievement, and contributions to public life, and not a partisan political rally as some narratives have suggested.
The group also noted that since the emergence of Alex Otti as Governor of Abia State in 2023, several elected officials and prominent members of the APC have publicly acknowledged and commended the governor’s performance despite belonging to different political parties.
“These acknowledgements were widely seen as expressions of political maturity and objective evaluation of governance,” the statement noted.
It, therefore described as “curious and unnecessary” any attempt to politicize a similar expression of goodwill coming from Dr. Ogah, asking what exactly differentiates his position from those previously taken by other APC leaders.
The Abia Rejoice Movement further criticised what it described as “lectures on loyalty and sabotage” coming from individuals who previously belonged to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which governed Abia State for more than two decades.
The group also pointed to national political developments, citing the example of Nyesom Wike, whose cooperation with the APC while still a member of the PDP was praised by party leaders.
“If such actions are celebrated when they favour the party, it cannot be wrong for Dr. Ogah to prioritise the progress of Abia State above partisan interests,” the statement said.
The movement further described Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah as “a respected Abia leader whose record in economic empowerment, community development and humanitarian interventions continues to impact lives across the state.”
According to the group, his acknowledgement of reforms and progress in Abia reflects political maturity and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the people.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the statement added, “Dr. Uche Ogah remains firmly committed to the reform agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and will continue to support the President’s re-election.”
The Abia Rejoice Movement, therefore, urged political actors across party lines to elevate the tone of public discourse, avoid unnecessary distractions, and focus on constructive engagement capable of strengthening democratic culture and accelerating development in Abia State.
“Political discourse in Abia must be guided by facts, responsibility, and progress — not needless controversy,” the statement concluded.
