A violent altercation has rocked the Abia State House of Assembly as the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, allegedly assaulted his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye, with a beer bottle during a heated argument over the sharing of an alleged cash gift from Governor Alex Otti.
According to multiple sources, the incident occurred at the Aba residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, the member representing Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency, during a closed-door meeting of the Labour Party (LP) caucus of the House.
Witnesses disclosed that the altercation ensued over the sharing formula for funds reportedly disbursed by Governor Otti as appreciation for the lawmakers’ speedy passage of the N150 billion supplementary budget earlier this year.
Hon. Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, allegedly demanded a larger share, citing his pivotal role in the budget process — a request that angered the Majority Leader. In the ensuing confrontation, Hon. Kalu reportedly smashed a beer bottle on Ucheonye’s head, leaving him with deep cuts and a concussion.
Sources revealed that the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, who was present at the meeting, allegedly instructed members not to report the matter to the police or disclose it to the public.
Hon. Ucheonye was later rushed to a nearby private clinic for treatment. In a message to Governor Otti, he lamented:
“This is the wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for voicing my opinion on matters concerning my committee during our caucus meeting in Aba.”
Meanwhile, fresh controversy has emerged over a state-sponsored trip to London involving the same lawmakers. Reports indicate that tensions resurfaced during the trip following allegations that Speaker Emeruwa, his deputy, and the Majority Leader withheld part of the funds meant for the delegation.
According to insiders, only 40% of the approved funds were distributed, leading to another confrontation at the Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, where the lawmakers were lodged. Hotel security reportedly intervened to restore order.
Disgruntled members are said to be plotting the impeachment of the Speaker and other principal officers upon their return to Nigeria, citing misconduct and financial impropriety.
The Abia State government and the House leadership are yet to officially comment on the incident.
