Tension in Abia Assembly as Lawmakers Clash Over Alleged N150 Billion Budget Kickback and London Trip Allowance
Tension has gripped the Abia State House of Assembly following a violent clash between members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus during a private meeting in Aba over the sharing of funds allegedly disbursed by Governor Alex Otti.
According to multiple sources, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu (representing Arochukwu State Constituency), allegedly attacked his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye (Aba Central Constituency), with a beer bottle, leaving him with a deep head wound and severe concussion.
The altercation reportedly occurred at the residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, member representing Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency, during a meeting attended by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa. The session, which was meant to be a closed-door caucus discussion, turned chaotic after disagreements over how to share a sum allegedly given to the lawmakers by Governor Otti as an “appreciation” for the swift passage of the ₦150 billion supplementary budget.
A source at the meeting said Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget, and Planning, demanded a larger share of the money, arguing that his role in the budget process was critical. His position reportedly angered the Majority Leader, who smashed a beer bottle on him after a heated verbal exchange.
“The Speaker was there and told everyone not to report the incident to the police or leak it to the media,” an insider revealed.
Ucheonye was rushed to a nearby private clinic where he received emergency treatment for deep cuts on his head. Later that evening, he reportedly sent a message to Governor Otti, attaching photos and videos of his injuries.
“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 at the premises of Hon. Fyne Ahuama during our caucus meeting today at Aba,” the message read.
Abia Lawmakers Fly to London Days After Clash
Barely days after the violent encounter, the injured lawmaker was discharged and joined his colleagues on a state-sponsored trip to London, allegedly costing taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion. The lawmakers were said to have flown first class and lodged at Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Croydon.
However, the supposed “retreat” quickly descended into another round of infighting. Sources told Headlineswave.ng that a fresh confrontation erupted after some lawmakers accused the Speaker, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Uchenna Kalu of withholding part of their travel allowances.
Some members reportedly received only 40% of the funds earmarked for the trip, prompting outrage. Hotel staff allegedly intervened to prevent the situation from turning violent again.
Impeachment Plot Looms in Abia Assembly
With tempers still flaring, reports indicate that a faction of the LP caucus is plotting to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers over allegations of misappropriation and misconduct.
“The plan is already in motion. Many members are not happy with how funds were handled both in Aba and in London,” a lawmaker said.
The latest developments have deepened internal cracks within the Labour Party caucus in Abia State, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the state legislature.
 caucus){kind=link}