By Politics Nigeria
Tension and outrage have engulfed the Abia State House of Assembly following a bloody brawl among Labour Party (LP) lawmakers over the sharing of a “cash appreciation” allegedly given to them by Governor Alex Otti.
According to multiple sources, the violent confrontation occurred during a private caucus meeting at the residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, member representing Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency, where tempers flared over the sharing formula for the controversial funds.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu of Arochukwu State Constituency, reportedly attacked Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye, member representing Aba Central Constituency, with a beer bottle, leaving him with a deep head wound and severe concussion.
The meeting, also attended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, was said to have been convened to discuss the distribution of a sum allegedly released by Governor Otti as a token of appreciation for the swift passage of a ₦150 billion supplementary budget.
Trouble began when Hon. Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, demanded a larger share, insisting that his committee played a central role in expediting the budget process. His insistence reportedly infuriated the Majority Leader, who in a fit of rage smashed a beer bottle on his colleague’s head.
Eyewitnesses said blood gushed from the lawmaker’s scalp as the gathering descended into chaos.
“The Speaker was there and immediately ordered everyone not to report the incident to the police or leak it to the media,” a source present at the meeting disclosed.
Ucheonye was rushed to a private clinic in Aba where he received emergency treatment for deep cuts. Later that night, he reportedly sent Governor Otti a message, attaching photos and a video of his injury.
“Good evening His Excellency, this is a wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for trying to voice my opinion on issues bordering on the committee I chair during our caucus meeting today at Aba,” the message read.
Lawmakers Jet Off to London Despite Bloody Clash
Barely days after the incident, the injured lawmaker joined his colleagues on a state-sponsored trip to London, reportedly costing taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion. The lawmakers allegedly flew first class and lodged at Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Croydon for what was described as a “retreat.”
But peace remained elusive even in London. Sources said another round of altercations broke out after accusations surfaced that the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Uchenna Kalu had withheld part of the travel allowances meant for members.
Some lawmakers alleged they received only 40 percent of the approved funds, prompting another shouting match that nearly escalated into physical combat before hotel staff intervened.
Amid growing discontent, reports indicate that a faction of the LP caucus has begun plotting the impeachment of the Speaker and other principal officers over alleged financial misconduct and abuse of office.
“The plan is already in motion. Many members are angry about the way funds were handled both in Aba and London,” one lawmaker confided.
As the scandal deepens, the Abia Assembly leadership faces mounting scrutiny and public outrage, with many calling for an independent investigation into the incident that has now plunged the LP-led Assembly into a full-blown crisis.
PIONEER NEWS 