By Abasi Ita
A violent confrontation has rocked the Abia State House of Assembly after a disagreement over the sharing of an alleged cash gift reportedly disbursed by Governor Alex Otti to members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Uchenna Kalu, representing Arochukwu Constituency, allegedly attacked his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye of Aba Central Constituency, with a beer bottle during a heated argument at a meeting held in the Aba residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, who represents Osisioma Ngwa South.
Sources said the lawmakers had gathered to discuss how to share money allegedly sent by the governor as appreciation for the quick passage of the 2025 supplementary budget. Trouble began when Hon. Ucheonye, chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, demanded a larger share, citing his committee’s central role in the budget process.
The demand reportedly angered the Majority Leader, leading to an exchange of words that escalated into a fight. Witnesses said Kalu smashed a beer bottle on Ucheonye’s head, leaving him bleeding profusely. He was later rushed to a nearby private clinic for treatment.
It was gathered that Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa, who attended the meeting, cautioned members not to report the incident to the police or leak details to the media.
Meanwhile, Ucheonye later joined other lawmakers on a state-sponsored trip to London, reportedly costing taxpayers nearly one billion naira. However, fresh reports indicate that another altercation broke out during the trip over alleged diversion of travel funds by top Assembly officials.
Some aggrieved members have reportedly vowed to initiate impeachment proceedings against the Speaker and other principal officers upon their return to Nigeria, citing misconduct and financial mismanagement.