Chijioke Chukwu: You Can’t Gag Opposition Voice In Abia, APC Youths Challenge Assembly

APC youth leaders in Abia State under the auspices of Abia Progressive Youths, APY Abia North chapter has warned against attempts to muzzle the voice of opposition in the PDP-led state, insisting that such will be resisted.

APY was reacting to a statement credited to the Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu in which he warned the member representing Bende North constituency, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu against criticising the state government over backlog of unpaid salaries.

The APC Youths in a statement on Monday signed by its Abia North chairman, Mr. Nnaemeka Ejike said democratic ethos can only be enriched when the opposition constructively engages the ruling government to deliver good governance to the people.

Mr. Ejike said instead of fruitlessly attempting to cow the opposition in the Assembly to silence, the PDP government and the Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji should rather commit their energy in winning the hearts of the people who according to him have been disappointed by the poor leadership PDP has stood itself out for.

While calling on other opposition members in the Assembly to take a cue from Hon. Chukwu and speak up against misgovernance in the state, Mr. Ejike said the interest of the people is above anyone’s ego, describing Hon. Chukwu as a true progressive.

ABN TV had reported that Chijioke Chukwu had challenged the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu to manifest the love of God in his heart this Easter by paying workers who according to him have not received salaries in over 10 months.

In reaction to the statement, the Assembly cautioned the lawmaker to desist from making such utterance against the governor, insisting that the problem of non-payment of salaries is not peculiar to Abia alone.