Former Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area and immediate past Abia State ALGON Chairman, Hon. Ibe Michael Nwoke, has strongly condemned the so-called Southeast Local Government Forum, describing it as an illegitimate and self-serving political gathering with no mandate to speak for former local government chairmen in the region.
Reacting to recent political meetings and statements made under the forum’s banner, Nwoke declared the group as lacking constitutional legitimacy and moral authority, branding it a vehicle for political opportunism.
“There is no recognized or constitutionally backed forum representing former local government chairmen in the Southeast,” Nwoke stated. “What we’re seeing is a group of individuals using the name of the region to seek political favour and personal gain.”
False Representation and Deceptive Agenda
Nwoke warned that the actions of the group threaten the credibility of genuine democratic discourse, asserting that no consensus or regional backing exists for their claims.
“No one appointed them to speak for us,” he said. “Their statements do not reflect the pain, hardship, or real concerns of the people they claim to represent. These are political actors staging a performance, not leaders advancing the public good.”
He condemned the group’s efforts to create the illusion of regional alignment, describing it as political theatre that misrepresents the reality on the ground.
Criticism of Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu
Nwoke also criticized the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, accusing him of supporting these illegitimate activities and prioritizing public appearances over governance.
“Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu should focus on governance and the real issues our people face, not on orchestrated endorsements and media events. The Southeast remains marginalized, and no amount of political drama can change that,” he said.
Southeast Facing Real Challenges, Not Pageantry
The former Abia ALGON chairman called out the use of minor political endorsements as a distraction from the pressing issues of insecurity, economic hardship, youth frustration, and regional neglect.
“We cannot allow shallow pageantry and illegitimate groups to distract us from the real issues. Our youths are frustrated, our farmers are afraid, and our communities are under threat,” Nwoke stated.
He lamented the exploitation of federal government initiatives for personal political gain and alleged that some individuals are using the Deputy Speaker’s influence to ‘cash out’ under the guise of regional representation.
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Call for Media and Public Vigilance
Hon. Nwoke urged the media, civil society organizations, and the general public to remain vigilant and not lend legitimacy to unrecognized forums or groups.
“This so-called forum should not be taken seriously. It is nothing more than a mouthpiece for political convenience. We must redirect our focus to real leadership, people-centered governance, and restoring hope for the Southeast,” he concluded.
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