Senator Austin Akobundu, representing the Abia Central District under the PDP, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for excluding the South East geopolitical zone in his recent cabinet reshuffle. The senator contended that the president’s actions further entrench regional disparities in representation.
Recently, President Tinubu dismissed five ministers and nominated seven new ones for Senate approval. While Mrs. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the Women Affairs Minister from Anambra State, was replaced by Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, the reshuffle failed to address ongoing concerns about the South East’s underrepresentation. The region currently has only five ministers for its five states, falling behind other regions that received additional appointments beyond the constitutional mandate of one minister per state.
At the inauguration of the newly renovated St. Peter’s Secondary School in Ikwuano, Abia State, Senator Akobundu voiced his disappointment, stating, “I feel shortchanged as a person, and I’m speaking for the zone.” He pledged to raise this issue again in the Senate, advocating for equitable representation.
In addition to addressing representation issues, the senator expressed concerns regarding the deteriorating Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene federal road and its impact on the region. He mentioned that he had secured assurances from the Minister of Works to expedite efforts to resume work on the 51-kilometer road, which has faced delays due to contractual and seasonal challenges.
Looking ahead to the upcoming November 2nd Local Government elections, Senator Akobundu expressed optimism about the PDP’s prospects, stating that the party would fully participate and urging members to demonstrate their capabilities.
He also praised Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, founder of the Grooming Centre, for his commitment to educational development in Abia, particularly regarding the completion of the St. Peter’s Secondary School renovation. Originally initiated by Rev. Father Donatus Okpokpo, the project aims to enhance quality education for rural communities. Nwabunka, who also owns Amadeus University, emphasized his belief in education as “the hope of any society” and vowed to continue investing in this sector.
Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, commended the benefactors for their sacrifices, describing the new complex as a model for schools within the diocese. He urged responsible management and protection of the facilities and encouraged future investors to support infrastructure expansion.
Traditional ruler HRM Eze Dr. Ndumele expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, anticipating that the renovated school would significantly improve local access to quality education.