The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso, has insisted that Abia State is the cheapest place to live in Nigeria, countering claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, that the state is the most expensive.
Anyaso made the assertion on Sunday during the 2026 Harvest Thanksgiving of the Methodist Church, Diocese of Item, held at the Methodist Church, Okoko Item, in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The event also witnessed a humanitarian gesture from the Bende politician, who announced a brand-new car for the Bishop of Item Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Nkulo, after learning that the cleric’s existing vehicle had been out of use for several months due to mechanical problems.
“We are not fixing a car; we are changing your car,” Anyaso declared, drawing attention to his decision to provide a replacement vehicle.
Speaking on the state’s economic situation, Anyaso rejected Anosike’s position, arguing that Abia had become more affordable under Governor Alex Otti’s Labour Party administration.
“Abia is not the most expensive state to live in. Abia State is the cheapest state to live in,” he said.
He maintained that residents had moved beyond the challenges associated with previous administrations and expressed confidence in the current government’s approach to governance.
“Abians have moved on, and our song has changed under the Labour Party administration of Governor Alex Otti,” Anyaso added.
The remarks introduced a political dimension to the harvest celebration, as the cost of living and the performance of the state government remain issues in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Earlier, Bishop Nkulo, in a sermon titled “When God Does Great Things,” drawn from Psalm 126:3, urged Christians to remain hopeful during difficult times and to acknowledge God’s blessings in their lives.
Reflecting on the Israelites’ experience in exile and their eventual restoration, the cleric encouraged worshippers not to lose faith when confronted with adversity.
“No matter how difficult it is, if the Israelites could say, ‘We were like them that dreamt,’ then for us, we will soon shout, ‘It is like a dream,’” he said.
He also urged members of the congregation to testify to the good things they believed God had done for them, identifying Almighty God as the ultimate source of every blessing.
The harvest thanksgiving was attended by the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, alongside other church members, community leaders and dignitaries.
