The Abia Freedom Alliance (AFA), a Political Coalition of Elites committed to advancing humanity and promoting good governance in the State, has elected its new Executive members to lead the organization for the next two years.
The group, set up to enthrone a visionary, people oriented and efficient political leadership, seeks to initiate significant socio-political and economic transformations not only in Abia State but across the entire South East Geopolitical Zone, and position it as the commercial and entrepreneurial hub of Africa.
The newly elected Executive Members include; Mr.Francis Ikenga as State Coordinator, Dr. Smart Nwosu as Deputy State Coordinator, Mr. Edward Chijioke Adindu as State Secretary, Mr. Mike Nnaji as Deputy State Secretary, and Comrade Iroabuchi Chikezie as State Publicity Secretary.
Other elected members include; Chief Joe Ezearo as State Treasurer, Mr. Jonathan Irondi as State Internal Auditor, Dr. Steve Ochonma as State Organizing Secretary, Dr. John Chukwu as State Financial Secretary, Barr Rufus as State Legal Adviser, and Chief Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko as Welfare Officer.
Speaking during the General Meeting held in Umuahia, the Convener of the Association, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzo Nwachukwu, recalled that the AFA came into existence as a result of the People’s desire to enthrone good governance and liberate Abia State from corrupt, anti-people conglomeration of a set of rulers who have managed her affairs since 1999.
Prince Nwachukwu thanked members of the Association for their sacrifices which cuminated in the enthronement of good leadership under Governor Alex Otti, and noted that the Governor represents the leadership and new Abia that the group has yearned for over the years.
He emphasized that the present adminstration has surpassed the expectation of the people within a short period of time, adding that the people are beginning to feel the impact and dividends of democracy under Governor Alex Otti.
“We did not make any mistake in fighting for the liberation of Abia because Abia under Governor Otti is at work and it’s still working and have made remarkable achievements which has surpassed the expectation of the people.
“For the first time in the history of Nigerian politics, the elites of the state came together and are working in a particular direction to liberate the state and enthrone good governance“, Prince Nwachukwu stated.
He emphasized AFA’s commitment to advancing humanity, and charged the the newly elected leadership to replicate their efforts in emancipating the entire South East Geopolitical Zone as well as contribute their quota to the development of Abia state.
In their separate remarks, Members of the Association including, the S.A to the Governor on General Duties, Dr George Chidozie, Prof George Chima and Lady Grace Ibeh while congratulating the newly inagurated Exco members, emphasized the importance of unity and advised the leadership of the organization to work as a team inorder to achieve set goals.
They equally stressed the need for the leadership of the group to integrate the Abia Arise Group as well as embark on grassroot mobilization of women in the rural areas to raise a formidable strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Responding on behalf of the newly elected members, the state coordinator of AFA, Mr. Francis Ikenga, expressed gratitude for the trust reposed in them and pledged to harness members’ ideas to propel the association, ,Abia and the entire South East zone to greater heights.
He called on members of the group to join hands with the newly inagurated leadership to push for the reinstatement of Governor Otti for a second term in office as well as position the state as it takes it’s pride of place in the South East among the committee of states.
The meeting which featured the presentation and ratification of AFA Constitution by the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee, Hon Barr. Rufus was attended by the Head of the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee and Abia State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu among other dignitaries.
