According to him, this backwardness came because the people were yet to strike the right chord in their quest to provide an enabling environment that would guarantee a better life for them.

“Abia’s current position among the states in Nigeria since it was created in 1991 is not enviable. For instance, Aba was seen as the centre of commerce in Nigeria and our collective pride as a people has collapsed. Youth unemployment, insecurity, infrastructural decay and stunted economic growth have become our bane.

“Agriculture that accounts for over 70 percent of our GDP has taken the back seat. Education is no longer within reach of our children. While Abia discusses projects, other states set programmes with milestones.” said Ochiagha.

He regretted how Abia has turned to a state where treachery, blackmail, backstabbing, divide and rule prevail, saying, “ multiple taxation, unwarranted levies and dues have become the order of the day. We have been watching helplessly while shops and commercial buildings the fulcrum upon which over 20 percent of our GDP revolves are demolished; where government couldn’t demolish, the uncontrollable but controllable Aba floods destroys.”

While condemning what he termed, general policy summersaults, inconsistencies, disconnect, loss of focus and direction in the state, Ufomba pointed out that, “local government election has remained a mirage. While other states advertise lofty accomplishments, we spend billions per annum advertising intentions and uncompleted projects.”

Admonishing Abia people not to be crestfallen over their predicaments, he assured, “Together we shall change this ugly trend and make Abia great.”

According to him, for the state to move ahead successfully, “ we have to harness our human and material resources to do something positively different. We shall stand Abia on tripod of agriculture, commerce and technology, the core occupation and competences of our people, and let it run.”

This, he said shall be powered by a sound and qualitative education, extensive infrastructural development, lean and accountable government within a secured environment.