A violent altercation has reportedly broken out among members of the Labour Party (LP) caucus in the Abia State House of Assembly during a heated meeting over the alleged sharing of money purportedly disbursed by Governor Alex Otti.
According to multiple exclusive sources, the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu (Arochukwu State Constituency), allegedly attacked his colleague, Hon. Akachukwu Ucheonye (Aba Central State Constituency), with a beer bottle, leaving him with a deep head wound and severe concussion.
The incident occurred during a meeting of LP lawmakers at the Aba residence of Hon. Fyne Ahuama, who represents Osisioma Ngwa South Constituency. The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, was reportedly present and allegedly warned those in attendance not to leak details of the violent confrontation or report the matter to the police.
“Hon. Ucheonye suffered severe concussion and a broken head after being attacked by the Majority Leader with a beer bottle,” a source who attended the meeting told reporters.
“The fight broke out over the sharing of money allegedly given to LP members by Governor Otti for passing the 2025 supplementary budget.”
How the Fight Broke Out
Sources revealed that Governor Otti had “appreciated” the LP caucus for the speedy passage of the N150 billion supplementary appropriation bill in August, in addition to the N750.3 billion 2025 budget tagged “Budget of Sustained Momentum.”
The governor allegedly sent an undisclosed sum of money to the lawmakers as a gesture of appreciation. However, a dispute arose over how the funds should be shared.
Hon. Ucheonye, who chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, Budget and Planning, reportedly demanded a larger share of the money, citing his committee’s “critical role” in the budget process. His insistence infuriated the Majority Leader, leading to a verbal exchange that escalated into a physical brawl.
“They exchanged punches before Kalu smashed a beer bottle on Ucheonye’s head,” a witness said. “There was blood everywhere. It was a disgrace.”
Ucheonye was immediately rushed to a nearby private clinic for emergency treatment. In a message later sent to Governor Otti along with pictures and a video of his injuries , he wrote:
“Good evening, Your Excellency. This is a wound I sustained from the Majority Leader for trying to voice my opinion on issues bordering on the committee I chair during our caucus meeting today at Aba.”
Lawmakers’ London Trip Sparks Another Scandal
Despite his injuries, Ucheonye was later discharged to join his colleagues on a state-sponsored trip to London, reportedly costing taxpayers nearly ₦1 billion.
Sources said the lawmakers travelled first class and lodged at the Premier Inn London Town Centre Hotel, Phillips House, Croydon. However, the trip also descended into chaos after fresh disagreements over funds allegedly meant for members.
According to reports, another heated confrontation broke out on Sunday after lawmakers accused Speaker Emeruwa, Deputy Speaker Augustine Meregini, and Majority Leader Kalu of hoarding part of the trip funds.
“Only about 40% of the total money released for the London trip was shared among members,” a source alleged. “The rest remains unaccounted for. The situation became so tense that hotel security had to step in to restore order.”
Reliable sources further disclosed that moves are now underway among aggrieved LP lawmakers to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers upon their return to Nigeria over allegations of misconduct, misappropriation, and abuse of office.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Governor Otti nor the Abia State House of Assembly leadership had issued an official statement on the incident.
