A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia state, Prince Paul Ikonne, has asked the people in the state to rise with courage, ask the right questions and hold the Alex Otti-led administration accountable in the new year.

Specifically, Prince Ikonne said Abians must demand that the Abia state government allow the Local Government Authorities to function freely and effectively.

In a New Year message on Thursday in Abuja, Ikonne, who is the immediate-past Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), called on governor Alex Otti to honour the responsibility in the new year by allowing councils to breathe again, saying “let democracy flourish at the grassroots, and let Abians feel the impact of governance in their daily lives.”

According to Ikonne, Local governments are the closest to the people; they are the engines of grassroots development.

He said: “As the dawn of this new year breaks, I stand with every Abian, filled with hope and determination. Abia is a land blessed with industrious people, rich culture, and boundless potential. Yet, we know that greatness is not achieved by words alone, it is built through action, accountability, and leadership that serves the people first.

“In this 2026, I encourage every Abian to rise with courage and ask the right questions of those in power. Let us demand transparency, accountability, fairness, and a government that listens to its citizens. A better Abia begins when the voices of the people are heard and respected.

“One critical step toward progress is allowing our Local Government Authorities to function freely and effectively. Local governments are the closest to the people; they are the engines of grassroots development. When they are empowered, roads are built, schools are supported, healthcare reaches our communities, and jobs are created. Without them, progress stalls and our people suffer.

“I call on governor Alex Otti to honour this responsibility in the new year. Let our councils breathe again, let democracy flourish at the grassroots, and let Abians feel the impact of governance in their daily lives.”

While wishing the people a happy New Year, the APC chieftain assured that “Abia shall be great again, not by silencing the people, but by empowering them. Not by concentrating power, but by spreading it to every corner of our land. Together, we will build a state where hope is not just a dream, but a reality lived by every family.

“Happy New Year, Abians. The journey to greatness has begun, and it begins with you.” (Daily Independent)