University Don Warns Grassroots Democracy Under Threat in Abia, Criticises Otti Administration Over ASOPADEC, ABSIEC

A university lecturer and governance expert, Prof. Eni Kalu, has raised concerns over what he described as a drift toward autocratic governance in Abia State under Governor Alex Otti, accusing the administration of sidelining established laws and institutional processes.

Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday, Prof.

Kalu alleged that the present government is operating key state institutions in a manner akin to a one-man administration, in violation of their enabling laws. He cautioned that such practices erode democratic values and weaken mechanisms of accountability.
He particularly condemned the continued operation of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC) without its legally required board. Prof. Kalu noted that since the current administration assumed office, the agency has been managed solely by a General Manager, a development he described as unlawful and harmful to institutional integrity.

The academic also faulted the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) over its handling of local government elections. He argued that the use of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ward structures instead of state-recognised wards has effectively excluded some communities from participating in grassroots governance.
According to him, the alleged abandonment of ABSIEC wards undermines local democracy, stressing that democratic governance must be rooted at the grassroots. He warned that excluding communities from the process disconnects government from the people it is meant to serve.
Prof. Kalu further accused the administration of being intolerant of criticism, emphasising that constructive dissent is fundamental to democratic leadership and should not be misconstrued as antagonism.
He maintained that genuine reform cannot thrive where existing laws are ignored, adding that no governor has the power to suspend or selectively enforce statutes passed by the state legislature.
Prof. Kalu urged the Abia State Government to urgently align its actions with the law, constitute statutory boards where required, and promote inclusive local governance to rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.