John Nwaigwe
RESPONSE TO THE OPEN LETTER BY ABAM PROGRESSIVE FORUM ON THE PRESCO LAND MATTER
I have read your open letter and consider it necessary to set the records straight and correct the misinformation contained therein. While every Abam son and daughter has the right to express an opinion on the PRESCO land matter, such opinions should be based on facts that have been properly investigated and verified. Unfortunately, your letter appears to have been based on incomplete information arising from a private conversation between two brothers, which has been taken out of context and turned into a public controversy. Now that the matter is in the public domain, I believe it is only fair that my side of the story is also heard.
1. WHAT ACTUALLY TRANSPIRED
On 24 August 2026, following an announcement I heard on the radio concerning the PRESCO land matter, I had a conversation with Captain Chibuike Usim.
My concern was very simple.
I felt that taking the matter to the radio was not necessarily the most appropriate channel through which Ndi Abam should express its grievances or concerns to the Abia State Government.
The PRESCO land matter is connected to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Abia State Government. Since Ndi Abam is not in conflict or enmity with the government, I expressed the view that we should consider other channels through which our position could be presented to the government without creating the impression that Abam was antagonistic towards the government.
It is important to state clearly that my involvement in the PRESCO land matter arise principally because I am an appointee of the Abia State Government and, by virtue of my position and access to information, I have knowledge of the PPP project. My involvement should therefore not be misconstrued as representing any personal, financial or private interest in the matter, as I do not have any personal dealings with PRESCO.
My intervention was simply a suggestion on how best to communicate our concerns and protect the interests of our people.
2. I SUGGESTED BROADER CONSULTATION
I also expressed the view that before taking the matter publicly, other relevant stakeholders within the Abam clan ought to have been consulted so that their views could be obtained.
3. MY COMMENTS ABOUT THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATION
During the conversation, I also made the point that the present administration of Abia State has done considerably for Ndi Abam and that our relationship with the government should remain cordial.
There are channels available for dialogue, engagement and negotiation, including the invitation extended to representatives of Ndi Abam. In my considered view, such an opportunity could have been used to present our concerns directly and constructively.
Therefore, I find it extremely difficult to understand how a suggestion that we should explore other channels of engagement was twisted into an allegation that I was supporting the ceding or sale of Abam ancestral land. This raises serious questions about the kind of leadership Captain Chibuike Usim is providing, as such conduct is not what we should expect from someone seeking to lead Ndi Abam
That allegation is completely false.
4. I CHALLENGE CAPTAIN CHIBUIKE USIM TO MAKE THE FULL CONVERSATION PUBLIC
Since the allegations against me are said to have originated from information allegedly conveyed by Captain Chibuike Usim, I have no objection whatsoever to the complete truth being established.
I believe Captain Chibuike Usim recorded our conversation. Let him make the recording public.
I equally challenge him to make himself available for us to swear before the gods of our land at Okikeizu Amaelu that the information he conveyed to the Abam Progressive Forum is exactly what transpired between us.
5. ON THE ATTACKS ON MY RECORD IN THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
Though laughable, it was my performance in the 6th Assembly that earned me the confidence and opportunity to serve in my present position in the Abia State Government. My current appointment is itself a reflection of the value placed on my legislative experience and contribution.
Rather than engage in political rhetoric, I invite anyone interested to verify my records in the State House of Assembly. Let the records speak for themselves.
6. ON THE ALLEGATION OF A 10% AGENT FEE
I am particularly concerned by the reference in your letter to possible financial, contractual or private interests and the specific insinuation concerning a 10% agent fee.
However, I will not sit back and allow anyone to continually push a false narrative against my name. Any further statement or publication suggesting that I have a financial interest or stand to benefit from the PRESCO land matter will be treated seriously, and I reserve my right to pursue every lawful remedy, physically and spiritually, available to me.
I will not hesitate to sue Captain Chibuike Usim if he fails to accurately state the content of my conversation with him. My name is Luke Ukara, and I will defend my integrity.
7. THIS IS POLITICAL BLACKMAIL
Having considered the tone and content of your letter, I cannot escape the conclusion that what has been presented against me amounts to a political blackmail and character assassination.
8. CONCLUSION
a. Ndi Abam are not in enmity with the Abia State Government. Rather, they are grateful to His Excellency, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, for all the support received so far under the present administration.
b. I had a private conversation with Captain Chibuike Usim, where we shared our individual thoughts. However, he has turned it into a public discussion, misrepresenting my ideas in an attempt to malign my person and pitch Ndi Abam against the State Government. If he does not retrace his steps and present the matter as it truly transpired, I am willing to take legal action against him for misrepresentation.
c. Based on his actions, Captain Chibuike Usim has now made himself not just the mouthpiece of Ndi Abam, but the sole authority over our dear clan. This is because he is now presenting his personal views, which he shared to be the collective position of Ndi Abam on this matter.
d. I call on our traditional leaders and stakeholders to stop this self-imposed Abam leader from parading himself as such and misrepresenting Ndi Abam before he gets us into trouble.
God bless Ndi Abam. God bless Abia State. God bless Nigeria.
HON. LUKMAN UKARA
Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters
Former Member, Abia State House of Assembly
Arochukwu State Constituency, 2015–2019
