Apex Pressure Group in Ukwa West Rules Out Support for Abaribe’s Return to the Senate

The Asa Liberation Movement (ALM), a leading socio-political organization in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, has declared its opposition to any bid by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe to return to the Senate, citing what it described as years of poor representation and unfulfilled promises.

The position was made known during the group’s monthly meeting held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the residence of its leader, Hon. Emeka Adiele. The meeting attracted a large turnout of members from various communities across Asa, reflecting the growing influence of the organization within the area.

Speaking during the gathering, Hon. Adiele expressed appreciation to members for their commitment and participation, describing the impressive attendance as a reflection of the people’s confidence in the movement’s vision and leadership.

The meeting also observed a minute of silence in honour of Mr. Chinye Uchenna, an indigene of Umukalu Asa, who was reportedly murdered by unidentified attackers in the early hours of Sunday. According to reports, the assailants allegedly made away with the deceased’s motorcycle after the attack.

Condemning the killing, ALM called on security agencies to launch a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators are apprehended and prosecuted. The group also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and the entire Umukalu Asa community, while pledging support during the burial arrangements.

On political developments within Abia South Senatorial District, the movement criticized the emergence of Senator Abaribe as the Labour Party’s candidate for the forthcoming senatorial election.

According to the group’s leadership, Senator Abaribe, who has represented the district in the Senate for nearly two decades, has failed to provide the level of representation and development expected by the people.

Hon. Adiele stated that at a time when Asa people are united in their determination to reclaim the House of Representatives seat, the movement cannot support politicians whose performance in office has failed to inspire public confidence.

He argued that if the Abia South senatorial seat is to remain within Ngwa land, it should be occupied by a new individual rather than Senator Abaribe, whom he said had enjoyed overwhelming support from the people for many years and should now allow others the opportunity to serve.

The group further alleged that Senator Abaribe failed to fulfill promises made to ALM during the 2023 electioneering period, insisting that such actions have eroded trust between the senator and the movement.

Consequently, ALM formally announced that it would not support Abaribe’s senatorial ambition and warned members against engaging in activities contrary to the organization’s collective position. It stated that any member found openly or secretly working against the group’s resolution could face disciplinary action, including expulsion.

The movement also expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of Chief Dr. Eruba Dimgba, Abia State’s representative on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board.

ALM alleged that several road projects within Asa communities that were flagged off under the NDDC have remained abandoned despite public ceremonies marking their commencement.

Among the projects listed were the Umuololo–Okohia–Uzuaku Imo River Road, the 144 Battalion–Obuzor Road, Ezendioma–Umuorie Road, Umuadienwe Road, and the Umuiku–Owo Road.

The group lamented that the continued abandonment of these projects has negatively affected economic activities and worsened the living conditions of residents in the affected communities.

It therefore called on Dr. Dimgba to urgently address the situation by ensuring the completion of all ongoing NDDC projects within Asa and Ukwa communities.

In a move aimed at promoting grassroots empowerment, the meeting concluded with the disbursement of financial support to over 200 members of the movement drawn from different communities.

Beneficiaries were encouraged to invest the funds in their businesses and other productive ventures capable of improving their livelihoods. Members who were not included in the current phase were assured that additional empowerment programmes would be rolled out in the future.

Reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of the people, ALM pledged to continue advocating for justice, accountability, equitable representation and sustainable development across Asa and Ukwa land.

The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the movement, Charles Ehiemere, popularly known as Samankwe, and dated June 16, 2026.