Politics
‘Why I’m not returning to Abia State Assembly’
Solomon Akpulonu, who represents Obingwa East State Constituency, is the longest-serving lawmaker in the history of the Abia State House of Assembly. In this interview with reporters in Umuahia, he speaks on issues ranging from local government autonomy and state police to the crisis with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), his decision not to return to the State Assembly in 2027, and more. Correspondent, SUNNY NWANKWO reports
It was my way of saying thank you—especially to those who have supported me since 2003 but have never received anything from me. I selected beneficiaries from across party lines, even those who are no longer in my party. I looked back on my political journey and decided to appreciate those who stood by me, even with what little I could offer.
The generators I gave out were specifically for those who have skills. In the past, many people I empowered ended up selling the items I empowered them to sell. This time, I focused on skilled individuals. Many of them were trained with funds I provided, while others learned on their own. This is my way of empowering them to become self-reliant and hopefully grow into employers of labour. If managed well, these tools can transform their lives.
The selection process involved ward chairmen, and I ensured due diligence. I made sure each person had either a shop or was in the process of setting one up. I was firm about only empowering people with proven skills.
Apart from this empowerment initiative, have you supported your constituents in other ways?
Yes, empowerment for me is not a seasonal thing. Unlike others who only give out rice during elections, I focus on lasting support that can uplift lives.
Over the years, I have facilitated over 100 jobs at both the state and federal levels, and I’ve bought several vehicles for people. Some of those I supported with equipment as far back as 2007 are still using them today. That’s why I keep winning elections—because the impact is real. Today alone, I empowered close to 70 people, and the ripple effect will extend to their families.
Was the money for the empowerment from your personal funds or constituency allowance?
It was a mix of both. Constituency allowance is a special fund, but it doesn’t cover everything—like buying machines, paying hospital bills, and handling other issues. As a politician, people come to you for all kinds of help. Whether it’s from my personal funds or constituency allowance, I released the money for my people.
How do you manage the pressure of meeting people’s needs?
Well, I’m a veteran. I’m a people manager. I talk to people. Those who didn’t benefit today will benefit tomorrow. Except for one or two who lost their items, all the beneficiaries today are new people.
There are rumours that you won’t return to the Abia State House of Assembly. Are you aiming for a higher office?
I won’t be returning to the State Assembly—even if I’m offered the Speakership or asked to run unopposed. I’ve done my bit, and God has been good to me. My people have also supported me immensely. It’s time to make room for younger people. I’m not one to cling to power. Honestly, I didn’t even plan to go for a third term.
So, are you quitting politics?
No, I’m not quitting. I’m going to run for the Federal House of Representatives.
There are rumours that your position in the PDP is shaky. Do you plan to dump the party?
For now, there are two factions in the PDP, and the court has yet to decide. But regardless of the faction, I’m still in PDP.
Do you think you stand a chance of winning the federal seat under PDP?
Look, 90 per cent of voters on election day are not party members. A political party is just a vehicle to get to your destination. I could decide to join any party tomorrow.
Most rural women don’t attend party meetings, but they show up on Election Day to vote for who they believe in. It doesn’t matter whether it’s PDP or not; we are on the ground and doing grassroots work.
Are you not bothered that the PDP factional crisis may affect your chances and those of others in 2027?
No, it won’t. By January or February, the Court of Appeal will deliver its judgment. Within three months, the Supreme Court will also rule. By the time party primaries begin, PDP will be standing strong—whether it’s the Wike group, Makinde’s, or Bala Mohammed’s. PDP is still the only organic party with structures in every household across this country.
Which faction of the PDP do you belong to?
I belong to both factions. What matters is that I’m in PDP.
You’re the longest-serving lawmaker in the state and currently the leader of the opposition in the House. What do you plan to achieve if elected to the Federal House?
Look at what I’ve been doing as just a State Assembly member. Since 2017, I’ve consistently empowered people. That’s why, despite the “Obi wave” in 2023, people I had empowered stood by me and voted me back. God willing, we’ll keep going forward.
Some PDP members are decamping to the APC. Why are you still in PDP?
That’s their personal decision. Some of my colleagues are Labour Party members. Some will go to ADC. In fact, many PDP members in Obingwa may join ADC. Politics isn’t rigid—people are free to move to APC, ADC, Labour, or APGA. It’s their choice.
How do the four PDP members cope in a House dominated by the majority?
In the House of Assembly, party lines blur. Once you step inside, what matters is the welfare of the people. There may be a minority and a majority, but as lawmakers, we work together for the common good.
What’s your assessment of Governor Alex Otti’s government?
I want to give this government another six months before I offer an assessment—and I have my reasons. You can’t compare the revenues the government is receiving now with what was received from 2015 to 2023. We’re keeping records, and in six months, we’ll give Abians an honest assessment. If the governor is doing well, we’ll say so. If not, we’ll also say so. I don’t want to make any conclusions yet, especially regarding whether the funds received match the work being done.
The governor recently presented the state budget. What’s your view?
I’m not in the Executive; I’m a legislator. My role is to scrutinise what they bring to the House, and we have done so. A budget is just an estimate. A governor can propose N20 trillion but end up receiving only N5 million or N500 million.
Judging by his spending since 2023, would you say he has used Abia’s funds wisely?
As I said, I’ll assess that in the next six months.
What’s your message to your constituents?
It’s not easy for people to support one person for this long. I’m the longest-serving lawmaker in Abia—dead or alive. I thank my constituents. With all I’ve done, the next step is to go to Abuja and do more.
What’s your message to Abians regarding the state’s security situation?
As lawmakers, our role is to encourage the government to use security votes for the benefit of the people. But security is everyone’s business. I urge the government to do more to ensure the safety of our people.
Do you support the idea of state police?
No, I don’t. Governors already have too much power under the Constitution—they coerce everyone. If they’re given state police, it will be used to intimidate opposition members.
What’s your view on the issue of local government autonomy and the role of the state government?
The State House of Assembly is not the problem. The issue lies with the federal government’s failure to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment. The court ruled that funds should be sent directly to local governments. So what’s holding them back?
The Supreme Court also barred state governors and assemblies from legislating on local government revenue. But the same federal government that went to court and won the judgment has refused to implement it.
So, who should we blame—the governors? It’s the federal government’s responsibility to implement the July 1, 2024 judgment. Even after the ruling, the President is still appealing to governors to release local government funds. That’s unacceptable.
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