Amb. Engr. Franklin Ugochukwu Nwankwo has challenged former Abia State Commissioner, Hon. Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, to present his record of achievements in public office before making sweeping criticisms of Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s administration.
Franklin made the challenge in a statement responding to allegations reportedly made by Chukwuemeka Nwankwo during a media chat on October 14, 2026, concerning the performance of the Abia State Government.
He said his response was motivated by the need for fairness, evidence-based public discourse and a genuine commitment to the development of Abia State, particularly Umunneochi Local Government Area, where both men share roots.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to criticise government policies and demand accountability, Franklin argued that such criticism should be constructive and supported by verifiable facts.
He expressed concern over allegations attributed to the former commissioner, including claims that the Otti administration was built on deceit, used the media to conceal wrongdoing, received substantial public revenue without corresponding results, lacked adequate road infrastructure and operated without proper planning.
Franklin called for specific evidence to substantiate the allegations, insisting that public officials and political actors should provide verifiable information when making claims about government performance.
Drawing attention to developments in their shared locality, Franklin identified several projects and initiatives which he said deserved objective assessment.
Among them was the construction of approximately one kilometre of road from Betterlife Junction to Ihite Lokpanta, which he attributed to the Otti administration.
He also cited the fencing of Lokpanta Cattle Market, describing the market as an important commercial centre whose activities contribute to the local economy.
On security, Franklin said efforts to address banditry, kidnapping and related threats in Lokpanta and Umunneochi should be assessed using residents’ experiences, security records and relevant official reports.
He further referenced the approved renovation of Lokpanta Secondary School and road construction projects within Umuchieze, calling for proper scrutiny of their approval status, implementation, contract details and completion.
Franklin also highlighted a youth empowerment initiative he said he organised in collaboration with the incumbent local government chairman, through which young people in Umunneochi received photography and videography training and materials to support their skills development.
He stressed, however, that citing these projects and initiatives did not mean every challenge facing the area had been resolved.
According to him, the examples were intended to encourage a more balanced assessment of government performance rather than support blanket claims that nothing was happening in the state.
Franklin posed a series of questions to the former commissioner, seeking clarification on the evidence behind his claims.
He asked what verifiable information supported the allegation that the present administration was built on deceit, which specific incidents allegedly demonstrated the use of the media to conceal wrongdoing, and what financial records or expenditure figures supported concerns about the management of public funds.
He also questioned the assertion that Abia lacked roads, arguing that identifiable road projects and infrastructure interventions should form part of any objective assessment of the state’s development.
He maintained that criticism of government remained necessary in a democracy but should be grounded in evidence rather than political rhetoric.
Franklin, who identified himself as an indigene of Ukomi, Lokpanta, Umuchieze, in Umunneochi Local Government Area, said the shared roots of both men should encourage responsible engagement on issues affecting their community and the state.
He noted that Chukwuemeka Nwankwo’s previous service as a commissioner during the administration of former Governor T. A. Orji gave him experience that could contribute meaningfully to public debate.
However, he argued that former public officeholders should also be prepared to subject their records to public scrutiny.
He challenged the former commissioner to identify the projects he initiated or executed while in office and explain their measurable impact on the lives of Abians.
“If you have achievements, bring them forward. Let the people examine them,” Franklin said, adding that accountability should apply to both serving and former public officials.
He described the challenge as a matter of principle rather than a personal attack, stressing that public office is a public trust and that the records of those who occupy it should be open to objective examination.
He also identified improved roads, community security, youth empowerment, educational development and economic opportunities as issues that should unite residents regardless of political affiliation.
“Our support for development must not be blind, and our criticism must not be reckless,” he stated.
Franklin concluded by urging Chukwuemeka Nwankwo and other political actors to prioritise facts, evidence and the collective interests of Abia residents over partisan considerations.
