Senator Austin Akobundu, representing Abia Central District (PDP), has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for excluding the South East geopolitical zone in his recent cabinet reshuffle. The senator claimed that the president?s actions perpetuate regional disparities in representation.

Tinubu recently dismissed five ministers and nominated seven new ones for Senate approval.

While the Women Affairs Minister, Mrs. Uju-Ken Ohanenye, from Anambra State, was replaced by Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu, this reshuffle did not address existing concerns about underrepresentation in the South East.

With only five ministers for its five states, the South East lags behind other regions that received additional appointments beyond the constitutional requirement of one minister per state.

At the inauguration of the newly renovated St. Peter?s Secondary School in Ikwuano, Abia State, Senator Akobundu expressed his disappointment, noting, ?I feel shortchanged as a person, and I?m speaking for the zone.?

He pledged to bring this concern before the Senate again, calling for fair representation.

Regarding the deteriorating Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene federal road, the senator shared his concerns over its impact on the region. He stated that he had secured assurances from the Minister of Works that efforts would be made to resume work on the 51-kilometer road soon, as its repair had been hindered by contractual and seasonal challenges.

On the upcoming November 2nd Local Government elections, Senator Akobundu expressed optimism about the PDP?s chances, assuring that the party would fully participate and encouraging members to showcase their capabilities.

He also commended Grooming Centre?s founder, Dr. Godwin Nwabunka, for his commitment to educational development in Abia, particularly in completing the St. Peter?s Secondary School renovation. The project, originally initiated by Rev. Father Donatus Okpokpo, aims to provide quality education for rural communities. Nwabunka, who also owns Amadeus University, underscored his dedication to education as ?the hope of any society,? promising to further invest in this sector.

The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Ukpong, lauded the benefactors for their sacrifices, describing the new complex as a model for schools in the diocese. He also encouraged responsible management and protection of the facilities, advocating for future investors to support infrastructure expansion.

Traditional ruler HRM Eze Dr. Ndumele expressed gratitude on behalf of the community, anticipating that the renovated school would greatly enhance local access to quality education.

Stakeholders from Abia State University and the University of Calabar, along with other academic leaders, attended the inauguration. (Vanguard)

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