The resignation of former Abia State Deputy Governor, Ude Chukwu, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been met with a dismissive and celebratory response from the state chapter of the party. Far from expressing regret over Chukwu’s departure, the PDP has characterized it as a “liberation” and “good riddance to bad rubbish,” suggesting that his exit removes a burden rather than creating a void. The party’s statement, released by State Chairman Abraham Amah, paints a stark picture of Chukwu’s 20-year tenure within the PDP, alleging a legacy of underachievement and squandered opportunities despite holding significant positions of power.
The PDP’s narrative centers on the accusation that Chukwu’s two decades in office, including 12 years in the State House of Assembly (four as Speaker) and eight years as Deputy Governor, yielded no tangible benefits for the state or his constituency. Amah points to Chukwu’s management of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) for eight years, asserting that this period resulted in deteriorated fiscal conditions and a lack of infrastructural development. This accusation implies mismanagement or misappropriation of funds, framing Chukwu’s departure as a necessary step to cleanse the party of allegedly corrupt influences.
The statement further criticizes Chukwu’s performance in his home Local Government Area (LGA) of Ohafia, claiming a complete absence of positive impact. Amah lists the lack of water, electricity, meaningful empowerment programs, and a political legacy as evidence of Chukwu’s alleged failure to serve his constituents. This characterization aims to portray Chukwu as a self-serving politician who enjoyed the privileges of office without contributing to the welfare of the people he represented. The stark imagery of Ohafia residents “in darkness, both literally and politically,” juxtaposed with Chukwu’s comfort in Government House, reinforces the narrative of neglect and misplaced priorities.
The PDP’s response goes beyond simply critiquing Chukwu’s past performance; it also offers an interpretation of his motives for resigning. The party suggests that Chukwu’s decision is driven by his diminishing political relevance and an attempt to escape the consequences of his alleged failures. This framing portrays Chukwu’s resignation not as a principled stand or strategic move, but as a desperate attempt to avoid accountability. By depicting him as a “parasitic political element” whose “relevance had expired,” the PDP seeks to discredit any future political endeavors Chukwu might undertake.
By focusing on the alleged shortcomings of Chukwu, the PDP aims to deflect attention from any potential internal issues that might have contributed to his resignation. The party’s insistence that his departure is a cause for celebration rather than concern serves to project an image of strength and unity. The message to the remaining party members is one of unwavering confidence and a call for continued loyalty. The statement encourages them to view Chukwu’s exit not as a loss, but as an opportunity for renewal and a strengthening of the party’s core values.
In essence, the PDP’s response to Chukwu’s resignation is a carefully crafted narrative designed to portray the party as proactive in purging itself of ineffective and potentially corrupt elements. By framing Chukwu’s departure as a necessary and beneficial event, the PDP seeks to bolster its own image and maintain its political standing within Abia State. The strong language used in the statement, including terms like “liberation,” “purgation,” and “good riddance to bad rubbish,” underscores the party’s determination to distance itself completely from Chukwu and his alleged failings. This aggressive stance is likely intended to send a clear message to other party members: loyalty and performance are paramount, and those who fall short will be swiftly and publicly condemned.
