‎Petition from Agency of Abia Govt May Have Influenced Decision to Replace Me ~ Oriaku

‎A former Abia State Commissioner of Finance, Chief Obinna Oriaku and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has stated that a petition reportedly submitted by the Abia State Government or one of its agencies may have influenced the decision to replace him as Abia State’s representative on the Federal Character Commission.
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‎Recall that Oriaku, who was recently screened and cleared by the Senate after a rigorous confirmation process was dropped within the week while no reason was given for the substitution.
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‎But posting on his Facebook account on Friday, Oriaku said he received a call from one of the state’s Senators on Monday informing him of the substitution of his name.
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‎While describing the development as a deeper reality about public service, Oriaku said the decision highlights the challenges that come with defending democratic ethics and confronting entrenched interests.
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‎According to the former Abia Commissioner of Finance, speaking truth to power and insisting on fairness often attracts resistance because corruption never retreats quietly.
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‎The APC chieftain acknowledged that appointments remain the prerogative of the President and must be respected by all democrats.
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‎He however, vowed that such actions will not dissuade him from speaking on issues affecting Abia State, emphasising that his advocacy has always been grounded on facts, integrity, and the collective good.
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‎Oriaku also called on his supporters not to be discouraged, saying that the leadership of the APC was on top of the situation.
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‎”For clarity, I had already undergone the full rigour of the confirmation process, which concluded with my successful approval by the Senate last week. This latest development therefore speaks to a deeper reality about public service: defending democratic ethics often comes with a cost. When you choose to speak the truth, uphold fairness, and challenge entrenched interests, resistance is inevitable. Corruption never retreats quietly; it always fights back.
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‎”Nonetheless, I fully acknowledge that appointments are at the discretion of the President, and it is our duty as democrats to respect and align with his decisions.
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‎”I am also aware that the state government or one of its agencies submitted a petition opposing my nomination. Even so, this will not alter my stance on issues affecting Abia. My interventions have always been issue-based, guided by facts, integrity, and the collective good. I will continue to engage constructively, especially as our party works diligently towards reclaiming the Abia State Government House in 2027.
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‎”To our supporters, I urge you not to despair. Do not be discouraged. The leadership of our party, the APC, at both the state and national levels is already reviewing the situation. If anything, this development shows how impactful our engagements have been. It reveals how strongly the voices calling for accountability are being felt,” he stated.