Fight Erupts Among Abia Lawmakers Over Otti’s Alleged Appreciation Fund
A violent clash reportedly broke out among members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Abia State House of Assembly over the sharing of money allegedly gifted to them by Governor Alex Otti.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu (Arochukwu Constituency), allegedly attacked Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye (Aba Central Constituency) with a beer bottle during a caucus meeting at the Aba residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama (Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency). The incident left Ucheonye with a deep head wound and severe concussion.
According to insider sources, the meeting—which was attended by Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa—was convened to discuss the sharing of funds purportedly disbursed by Governor Otti as an appreciation for the speedy passage of the 2025 supplementary budget.
The altercation reportedly began after Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, demanded a larger portion of the money, citing his committee’s central role in the budget process. His demand allegedly angered the Majority Leader, leading to an exchange of blows before Kalu smashed a beer bottle on his colleague’s head.
Ucheonye was rushed to a nearby private clinic, where he received treatment. In a message to Governor Otti, he wrote:
> “Good evening, Your 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.”
Sources further revealed that despite his injury, Ucheonye later joined his colleagues on a state-sponsored trip to London, reportedly costing taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion. The lawmakers, who were said to have travelled first class and lodged at Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Croydon, allegedly engaged in another heated altercation abroad.
According to reports, tensions flared again after some members accused Speaker Emeruwa, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Kalu of withholding part of the trip funds. Only about 40% of the money allegedly released for the trip was shared among members, prompting another confrontation that required hotel security intervention.
Disgruntled lawmakers are said to be planning to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers upon their return to Nigeria, citing allegations of misconduct and misappropriation.
Meanwhile, Hon. Ucheonye, in a post on his Facebook has denied that such a thing happened.
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