Why Is the Shadow of a Party They Claimed Is Dead Bothering Them? Engage, Don’t Evade | #NwokeukwuMascot

 Opinion 

The Shadow Government and the Crisis of Reason in the Otti Administration by N. Mascot Nnamdi | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Governor Alex Chioma Otti and his administration must confront the undeniable reality of a shadow government established by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State. This initiative, spearheaded by the Amah-led Abia PDP, which has been roundly applauded as a bold and strategic effort to ensure accountability, transparency, and good governance. However, rather than engaging constructively, Governor Otti’s supporters, the so-called “New Abia Band of Hallelujah Boys,” have resorted to making baseless, illogical statements that erode both reason and common sense.

These reactions which reflect an administration struggling to come to terms with legitimate opposition. Initially, I refrained from responding to their outbursts, as it is widely recognized that Otti’s supporters rank among the most naive in the history of Nigerian politics. Their approach often relies on propaganda and blind loyalty, rather than substantive engagement with critical issues.

However, what prompted me to break my silence was a statement attributed to Governor Otti, in which he described the shadow government as “treasonable.” Such a declaration is not only baseless but also alarming, as it reveals a troubling misunderstanding of democratic principles. Dee Chioma, A shadow government is not an act of rebellion; it is a recognized mechanism in modern democracies designed to hold those in power accountable. By dismissing it as treason, the Otti administration undermines its own credibility and exposes its fear of genuine scrutiny.

The role of the PDP shadow government is not to sabotage governance but to provide a constructive counterbalance to the ruling party. Through this initiative, Ndi Abia will be assured that the policies, expenditures, and actions of the government are not above questioning. It will also ensure that the public remains informed and empowered to demand better leadership. Governor Otti, the labeling of this vital democratic function as treason only serves to highlight your administration’s insecurities and unwillingness to embrace accountability.

The emergence of the PDP shadow government has undeniably become a headache for the New Abia LPZLP government, which rode into power on a platform of promises and reform. However, as time passes, it increasingly finds itself unable to justify its actions or fulfill its commitments to the people. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns raised by the opposition—concerns about questionable expenditures, a lack of transparency, and projects that does not exist anywhere in Abia—the administration has opted to focus its efforts on discrediting the shadow government. This deflection not only undermines the government’s credibility but also reflects its reluctance to engage in a constructive dialogue with the people it serves.

One of the most pressing issues is the handling of public funds, with several expenditures raising alarms. These issues cannot simply be brushed aside, as they concern the effective use of resources that belong to the citizens of Abia State. The following questions, raised by the shadow government, demand urgent answers:

1. ₦7.2 Billion for Research and Development:

• What specific research was conducted with this substantial allocation?

• Who were the individuals or organizations tasked with executing the research?

• What tangible benefits or outcomes have been achieved for Ndi Abia as a result of this expenditure?

2. ₦6.5 Billion for a Recreational Facility:

• Where is this facility located, and what are its features?

• How does this project align with the needs and priorities of Ndi Abia, especially during these economically challenging times?

• Why has the public been left in the dark about a project of such magnitude?

3. ₦2.4 Billion for ICT Infrastructure:

• What evidence exists to show that this investment was made?

• Where is the infrastructure, and how has it benefited the state?

• If this claim is valid, why do there appear to be no visible outcomes or projects tied to this allocation?

These are not trivial matters. They represent the very trust and resources of the people of Abia State. This behaviour is unbecoming of a government that claims to represent change and progress. Constructive opposition is not a threat to governance; it is a safeguard against abuse of power. The Otti administration must realize that its failure to engage with the issues raised by the shadow cabinet will only deepen public dissatisfaction and erode its legitimacy.

Governor Otti it’s time to abandon the path of hostility and propaganda, The criticisms leveled by the Abia PDP shadow cabinet are not acts of sabotage; they are legitimate questions that demand answers.  The people of Abia State deserve a government that respects democratic norms and welcomes dialogue.

It is high time Governor Otti recognizes that the PDP shadow government is not an adversary but a necessary counterbalance in a thriving democracy. Dismissing or labeling it as treasonable only reveals his administration’s aversion to accountability—a quality that won’t be tolerate.

Good governance is not measured by how loudly you silence critics but by how effectively you respond to the needs and concerns of the people. Our chief public servant Governor Alex Chioma Otti, rise above the noise and embrace the responsibility of leadership with openness, humility, and a commitment to the principles of democracy.

Abia deserves everything goods. Shadows, after all, only bother those with skeletons in their cupboards. Let Governor Otti prove that his administration has nothing to hide.