ABIA DEPUTY GOVERNOR, ENGR. EMETU, REAFFIRMS GOVT’S COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION, INTELLECTUAL EXCELLENCE AND DEMOCRATIC VALUES AT ABSU’S 80TH INAUGURAL LECTURE

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to strengthening education, research, and intellectual excellence as the foundation for sustainable development in the state. He made the assertion on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, while attending the 80th Inaugural Lecture of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu, delivered by Professor Dick Ogburanwa Uduma of the Department of Political Science.

While conveying the warm felicitations of the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, the Deputy Governor expressed delight at joining the Governing Council, Management, Senate, staff, students, and members of the academic community to witness the intellectual milestone.

Deputy Governor Emetu described the inaugural lecture titled “Interrogating the Centrality of Machtpolitik in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic” as timely and deeply relevant to the national discourse on political behavior, power relations, and democratic governance. He explained that the Fourth Republic has been defined by a combination of democratic gains and persistent tensions surrounding how political power is acquired, exercised, and sometimes abused.

He noted that Professor Uduma’s analytical approach to Machtpolitik provides a powerful lens for understanding the Nigerian democratic experience.

Engr. Emetu emphasized that “the relationship between power and responsibility must remain anchored in democratic values, transparency, accountability, and service to the people,” stressing that where power is wielded without restraint, democracy is weakened.

He further stated that the Otti-led administration is intentionally redefining political culture in Abia State by championing openness, fairness, and people-centered governance.

According to him, “power is best exercised when it improves lives; when it builds roads, reforms education, revitalizes health systems, strengthens security, attracts investments, and restores hope.”

The Deputy Governor commended Professor Uduma for his academic contributions, describing his journey from NCE (Distinction) to Professorship as “an inspiring testament to hard work, discipline, and intellectual excellence.” He congratulated him on reaching this landmark achievement and encouraged him to continue shaping national discourse through scholarship.

He also praised the Management of Abia State University for sustaining a culture of academic rigor and assured them of the government’s continued partnership in upgrading infrastructure and enhancing research capacity.

Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Ndukwe Okeudo, emphasized the significance of inaugural lectures, noting that they give Professors the opportunity to “tell the world why they are Professors.”

He expressed appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for his unwavering support to ABSU, particularly the construction of the 5,000-bed capacity male hostel, the donation of a high-capacity transformer to restore electricity, and the Governor’s promise to provide “ten thousand megawatts of solar light within the University.”

While presenting the lecture, Professor Dick Uduma emphasized that politics itself is neither evil nor dirty; rather, it is the conduct of political actors in Nigeria that has corrupted the process through rough and indecent practices. He noted that many credible citizens shy away from political engagement, creating space for undesirable behaviours to thrive. Consequently, he advocated for a comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s federal system to establish genuine federalism and enhance the quality of governance.

As part of the visit, the Vice Chancellor conducted the Deputy Governor on a brief tour of ongoing projects sponsored by the education-loving Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR. These include the ABSU Staff School, the construction site of the new Law Faculty, the recently installed electric transformer, and the renovated students’ hostel, all of which demonstrate the administration’s commitment to revitalizing educational infrastructure in the state.

The 80th Inaugural Lecture drew academics, students, researchers, government officials, and members of the public, marking a significant moment in ABSU’s academic calendar.