Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State is witnessing what insiders describe as a governance shake-up as the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chibunna Akara, marks one year in office with a wave of developmental projects and empowerment initiatives sweeping across communities. In an exclusive interview with National Concord, the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Comrade Justice Enyinnaya Nwaubani, painted a vivid picture of what he described as a “new dawn” in grassroots leadership.
According to Nwaubani, working with Akara has completely changed his perception of politics and governance. He said the chairman has consistently demonstrated that leadership is about service and results rather than political drama.
“Working with Hon. Akara has made the job easy because you rarely meet leaders who are not political jobbers. He is a man who believes in service and results,” – he declared.
The CPS further explained that Ukwa East has historically witnessed two types of politicians : those who play politics on the people and those who play politics for the people. He insisted that Akara clearly belongs to the latter category.
“I can categorically say that my Boss Hon. Akara is playing politics for the interests of our people, for unity, progress, and development of Ukwa East,” – Nwaubani stated.
He emphasized that the chairman’s leadership philosophy is built on competence and fairness, noting that Akara has zero tolerance for favoritism or tribal/ethnic bias.
“He is a sentimental-free leader who believes in giving the right job to the right people. He doesn’t believe in sentiment, tribalism, or hate. He believes in work and performance,” he added.
Within one year, Hon. Chibuna’s administration has reportedly redefined governance through aggressive infrastructure development across the local government. Major renovations were carried out at the council secretariat, including the retrofitting and furnishing of both the political/policy block and legislative block. The administration also constructed a dwarf perimeter fence securing Ukwa East land and built a strategic box culvert at Okpohu Akwete to improve transportation and flood control.
Transportation and community accessibility also received a major boost under Akara’s watch. The council constructed new bus stops at Akwete Umuigbai Junction and Ohanso to ease mobility and improve safety for commuters. Meanwhile, four modern evening markets are currently under construction across four communities, complete with solar-powered boreholes, street lights, and toilet facilities to promote local commerce and improve sanitation.
The Akara administration has equally invested heavily in energy and water supply, addressing long-standing challenges faced by residents. The installation of a mini-grid solar inverter power supply at the Ukwa East Secretariat has improved power reliability for administrative operations. In addition, ten solar-powered boreholes were constructed across the ten wards of the local government, providing residents with access to clean and sustainable water sources.
Nwabunna also said that Education and youth empowerment have also taken center stage in the chairman’s development agenda. The council awarded bursaries of ₦50,000 each to Ukwa East students studying in tertiary institutions, easing financial burdens on families. The administration also sponsored local students to participate in the Governor’s Secondary School Unity Games, boosting youth participation in sports and talent development.
In what some Ukwa indigenes describes as one of the administration’s most impactful programs, over 80 youths were trained in digital skills and equipped with laptops, accommodation, feeding, and stipends for three months. The initiative aims to reduce unemployment and prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy. Nwaubani stressed that the chairman sees youth empowerment as a strategic investment in the future of Ukwa East.
The administration has also focused on strengthening governance structures and improving public service delivery. Maintenance and furnishing of administrative offices, including the council hall and other blocks within the secretariat, were carried out. The reconstruction of the Conflict Mediation Office has further strengthened peace-building and dispute resolution mechanisms within the local government.
The CPS insisted that Akara’s achievements are not mere political promises but visible and verifiable projects spread across communities.
“Governance has a different dimension under Hon. Akara. He has proven that leadership is not about making noise. Leadership is something people can see and feel,” he said.
He further challenged residents and observers to independently verify the administration’s achievements.
“All of these projects are not audio achievements. They are landed projects across communities, just like Peter Obi will say anyone can go and verify them,” Nwaubani stated.
Community stakeholders who also spoke to our correspondent described Akara’s first year as a turning point for Ukwa East governance. They believe the administration’s heavy focus on infrastructure, empowerment, and institutional strengthening is gradually rebuilding public trust in grassroots leadership.
As the administration approaches its second year, expectations remain high among residents who hope the momentum of development will continue. For now, supporters of the chairman insist that Akara has already laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and transformation in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
