Columns/Opinions/Letters

THE POVERTY OF INTELLIGENCE When Political Opposition Mistakes Noise for Knowledge, Propaganda for Wisdom, and Criticism for an Alternative Vision By AProf Chukwuemeka Ifegwu EkeDepartment of EconomicsUniversity of Abuja, Nigeria THE PECULIAR PARADOX OF POLITICAL INTELLECTUALISM In my years of studying economics, public policy and institutional development, I have encountered several manifestations of poverty. There is income poverty, consumption poverty, multidimensional deprivation and the particularly debilitating condition of opportunity poverty. Yet contemporary political discourse in Abia State has directed my attention towards another phenomenon: the progressive impoverishment of public reasoning. I call it the poverty of intelligence. Let me immediately…

WHEN A RANKING BECOMES A POLITICAL RACKET: THE ECONOMICS ORACLE FORGOT BudgIT, Abia’s Fiscal Renaissance and the Intellectual Hazard of Selective Statistics By AProf Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke 5 November 2026 I have read with considerable amusement the commentary circulated under the pseudonym ORACLE, purporting to expose Governor Alex Otti’s administration through BudgIT’s 2026 State of States Fiscal Performance Ranking. The author celebrates Abia’s 16th position with the unmistakable enthusiasm of someone who has discovered political salvation in a spreadsheet. Unfortunately, the excitement appears to have outrun the economics. I recognise BudgIT as a credible institution. I accept its latest ranking.…

THE MOON CANNOT CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE SUN When the Evidence of Governance Begins to Speak Louder Than the Noise of Politics By AProf Chukwuemeka Ifegwu EkeNovember 5, 2026 There is something profoundly amusing about a moon attempting to outshine the sun at midday. It may summon the clouds, negotiate with the darkness, recruit the stars, and even announce its arrival with thunderous drums. Yet, when the sun rises in its fullness, the argument becomes unnecessary. The sun does not need to explain its brightness. It simply shines. I have followed the political developments in Abia State over the past few…

SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED! For many years, I have preached, advocated and fought for good governance in Nigeria. On several occasions, friends reminded me that no matter how loudly I shouted about good governance at the national level, the struggle would amount to little if charity did not begin at home.I took that advice to heart and domesticated my struggle. From 2013 to 2023, I committed myself to the political and developmental aspirations of Abia State, until the God of Abia answered our prayers in 2023. Today, Abia State is in the hands of the man we collectively fought to…

A SYMPHONY OF PROGRESS: WHEN LEADERSHIP STRIKES THE RIGHT CHORD By AProf Chukwuemeka Ifegwu Eke There is something remarkable about a well-conducted symphony. Different instruments produce different sounds, yet they respond to one conductor, follow one composition, and ultimately deliver one harmonious performance. The beauty lies not merely in the individual instruments but in the coordination that transforms separate sounds into a coherent musical experience. I see a similar pattern emerging in Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti. Across economic development, financial inclusion, transportation, political administration, and social reorientation, I observe a government pursuing different initiatives…

THE FUTURE IS NO LONGER UNIMAGINABLE Alex Otti, November 1, and My Walk Through the History of a Changing Abia By AProf Chukwuemeka Ifegwu EkeDepartment of Economics, University of Abuja History has a curious way of returning me to the places where my convictions were formed. Sometimes, it returns through the pages of a book. Sometimes, through the corridors of an old school. And sometimes, through a political gathering whose significance extends far beyond the occasion that brought people together. On Sunday, November 1, 2026, that place was Umuahia Township Stadium. Governor Alex Chioma Otti had gathered members and supporters…