THEY SAY “MINIONS”; WE SAY ABIA PEOPLE
Political disagreement should never become an excuse to insult citizens.
Recently, some supporters of the Abia State Government were described as “minions” simply because they acknowledged visible progress and defended the administration against claims they considered misleading.
That description is unfair and unnecessary.
Citizens have the right to support a government, recognise its achievements and still demand improvement where necessary. Democracy is not strengthened when people are reduced to abusive labels merely because their opinions differ from those of others.
There is a clear difference between blind praise and evidence-based support. A responsible citizen can commend completed roads, improved public facilities, reforms and ongoing projects while also drawing attention to flooding, blocked drainage channels or roads requiring urgent intervention.
Supporting development does not cancel accountability.
Recognising progress does not mean pretending that every problem has disappeared. No responsible government should ignore genuine complaints about flooded streets, damaged drains or deteriorating infrastructure. Such concerns must be investigated and addressed promptly.
However, isolated failures should not be deliberately presented as evidence that nothing is working across the entire state. One flooded location after heavy rainfall cannot erase every completed project, just as completed projects cannot excuse neglect in areas still requiring attention.
Good governance requires honesty, balance and continuous engagement.
The government must continue to listen, inspect affected locations, clear blocked drainage channels and carry out necessary repairs. Citizens, in turn, should criticise with facts rather than exaggeration, insults or political hostility.
Those supporting the government are not “minions.” They are Abians with opinions, expectations and a legitimate stake in the future of their state.
They can see progress.
They can demand corrections.
They can defend what is working and challenge what is not.
That is responsible citizenship—not servitude.
The real conversation must therefore move beyond name-calling. Abia needs constructive engagement, measurable results and continuous improvement.
FACTS MUST RISE ABOVE INSULTS.
THE WORK OF REBUILDING ABIA MUST CONTINUE.
