By Ernie Onwumere
Learning from Trump’s “Kick-Ass” Philosophy
My interest in Donald Trump began before he became American president—through his reality TV show The Apprentice and his book Think Big and Kick Ass. From the maverick entrepreneur-turned-politician, I learned valuable lessons that I think His Excellency, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and Ndi Abia should take note of, as desperate politicians have now railroaded us into premature politicking for a distant future election.
In his hard-hitting book, Trump advises readers to retaliate strongly against those who wrong them, emphasizing the importance of maintaining respect and not letting bullies go unchallenged. Hear him: “Respond to wrongs with severity to demonstrate strength and maintain respect.” In business, politics, and even social relations, some situations demand such stern responses because “nice guys” can easily be taken for a ride in a ruthless world.
History’s Warning: The Mbakwe Example
Let’s come home. In 1983, Dee Sam Mbakwe, former governor of old Imo State, fearlessly stood up to FEDECO when they attempted to manipulate his election results—showing that bravado is the language desperadoes understand.
Unfortunately, Abia State may today be witnessing a repeat of that history in our political space. We cannot afford to fold our arms and play gentlemen while the people’s mandate is brazenly threatened by desperadoes from Abuja.
We have seen it all before: electoral mandates stolen from the late Prince Vincent Ogbulafor in 1999, Onyema Ugochukwu in 2007, and Dr. Alex Otti in 2015 through the notorious “Obingwa magic.” Will history repeat itself in 2027? God forbid. But given the opposition’s renewed strategy in Abia—now in full throttle—Abians must not take this threat lightly. It is real, and it is time to take off the gloves and beat them at their own game before we enter the regret mode after their unholy abracadabra.
Nigeria’s Politics of Distraction
On August 31 this year, Financial Times published a story titled “Nigeria Enters Campaign Mode – With Elections Two Years Away.” The piece opened with: “Nigeria’s politicians have plunged into campaigning for the 2027 general election, jostling for plum posts… but raising eyebrows for chasing votes still two years away.”
While outsiders may raise eyebrows at the theatre of the absurd that Nigerian politics has become, citizens have grown accustomed to being hapless spectators. Politics has become Nigeria’s most lucrative enterprise—only true visionaries think about citizens’ welfare, while self-seeking politicians think only about the next election.
Nowhere is this more glaring than in the antics of House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who appears to have abandoned his duties in Abuja to gallivant around Abia State, distracting a busy governor with paranoid boasts that the APC will “take over” in 2027.
A Case of Political Rascality
What an egregious act of political rascality and hubris. Is the office of the Deputy Speaker now so idle that its occupant has all the time to parade himself at home in the name of premature politics?
Governor Alex Otti had barely settled down to the business of fulfilling the mandate given to him by Abia people when the desperadoes began ranting about an APC takeover. They don’t care about Abia’s wellbeing; all they want is to turn the state into an APC fiefdom and grab power for personal gain.
Recently, the same idle irritant returned to the state again, ranting about “poor performance” and “misused” federal allocations. He has turned himself into Abia’s self-styled auditor-general and chief justice—probing, judging, and condemning the governor without evidence.
Otti’s Record Speaks for Itself
Today, Ndi Abia are proud of Governor Otti’s performance. Since taking office in May 2023, his administration has focused on governance reforms, infrastructure development, and revitalisation of the economy and social services. Prompt salary and pension payments, elimination of corruption, merit-based appointments, and inclusive governance are now the order of the day.
Infrastructure and Power
Major road projects are ongoing across the state through both direct labour and reputable contractors like Julius Berger. More than 400 roads—including Port Harcourt-Aba Road, Ohanku Road, Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Ohafia Road, and Abam–Ndiokereke–Arochukwu Road—are either completed or under construction.
The Greater Aba Development Authority was created as a long-term strategy for urban planning and sustainable growth. New bus terminals are being built in Aba and Umuahia, while partnership with Geometric Power has brought regular electricity supply closer to reality.
Healthcare and Education
Healthcare has received renewed attention. The Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH) and General Hospital, Amachara, have been renovated and re-equipped, helping ABSUTH regain accreditation in 2023. Plans are underway to build or rehabilitate 200 primary health centres across all LGAs.
In education, the government introduced free and compulsory schooling from primary level to JSS3. Twenty “smart schools” are under construction, with new teachers recruited and trained. Programmes like TechRise and the Abia Innovation and Tech Hub are empowering young people with digital skills and job access.
Economy and Security
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have received strong backing through the Aba Industrial Development Project and the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council. Security has also improved under the multi-agency Operation Crush and the Abia Security Trust Fund. Crime rates have dropped drastically, especially after the reorganisation of the Umunneochi Cattle Market.
Desperation and Hypocrisy from Abuja
Despite these tangible achievements, the self-proclaimed critic from Abuja continues to vilify Otti for political gain. His obsession with dragging President Tinubu’s name into Abia’s local politics exposes his desperation and lack of integrity.
As Dr. Uche Ogah rightly said, “It is only people made of darkness that can deny that light has come to Abia State.” Indeed, the forces of darkness are desperate to dim that light for selfish reasons.
This Abuja opportunist, who owes his rise to the benevolence of others, now behaves like Achebe’s proverbial Nza bird that, after eating its fill, challenges its chi to a wrestling match. Forgetting that “those whose palm-kernels were cracked for them by a benevolent spirit should not forget to be humble,” he now turns on his benefactors with arrogance and treachery.
A Call to Vigilance
It is clear that his constant attacks on Otti stem not from genuine concern but from hunger for power. His antics are a calculated ploy to destabilise Abia’s progress.
Abians must therefore remain vigilant. The desperado should return to Abuja and face the duties of his office—helping President Tinubu address national challenges of poverty and insecurity—instead of undermining a performing governor.
When 2027 comes, it is Ndi Abia who will decide with their votes whether Governor Otti should continue or not, not some self-appointed messiah from Abuja.
If push comes to shove, the incumbent governor can play the political game with gloves off. But for now, Governor Alex Otti must continue his reform agenda with courage and confidence—and reassure Abians that their mandate will be defended by all fair and decisive means.
Renegades must not be allowed to dominate the media space with their boastful grandstanding. Neither should Abians play laid-back gentlemen while desperadoes hatch plans to rig elections, bribe voters, snatch ballot boxes, or compromise INEC officials.
– Onwumere, a public affairs analyst, writes from Onitsha.
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