Tension Erupts in Ukwa East Legislative Council as Leadership Crisis Turns Violent
By Ugwumba Adiele
Serious unrest broke out on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Ukwa East Legislative Council Secretariat following a violent confrontation linked to an ongoing leadership tussle within the council.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and internal council reports, five councillors allegedly loyal to the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, stormed the council complex and physically assaulted the Clerk and Head of Personnel Management, Mr. Maxwell Ahukanna. Government property was reportedly destroyed during the incident, and the Mace, the official symbol of legislative authority, was allegedly smashed on the face of the Majority Leader, Hon. Obinna Ukaegbu, leaving him seriously injured.
Witnesses say the councillors arrived wielding dangerous weapons— including machetes, axes, bottles, and other objects—causing panic among staff and members present.
The violent outbreak is believed to be connected to an intensifying leadership battle within the Ukwa East Legislative Assembly. The five councillors were said to have attempted to impeach the Leader of the House, Hon. Kingsley C. Belle, whom they accuse of siding with the Mayor of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Chibunna Akara.
Sources within the council allege that the councillors had demanded ₦1 million each as a condition for approving the council’s budget proposal sponsored by the Mayor—an amount Hon. Belle reportedly refused to release.
The attack was allegedly coordinated by the Councillor representing Ikwuorie Ward, Hon. Emmanuel Ekeke, together with his counterpart from Azumini Ward, Hon. Bright Bennett Ekeke, both believed to be political allies of the Commissioner for Information.
The crisis is said to be the culmination of a prolonged power struggle between Commissioner Okey Kanu and Mayor Chibunna Akara over control of the Governor’s faction of the Labour Party in Ukwa East. Reports suggest that a series of nocturnal meetings allegedly took place between the Commissioner and the five councillors in the days leading up to the incident.
Insiders familiar with the situation claim that the objective was to install a new council leadership loyal to the Commissioner—a move that could significantly destabilise the Akara-led administration at the local government level.
As at the time of filing this report, both the council’s Clerk/HPM, Mr. Maxwell Ahukanna, and the Majority Leader, Hon. Obinna Ukaegbu, are receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.
Further developments are expected as security agencies and relevant authorities commence investigations into the violent episode and the wider political crisis brewing within Ukwa East.
