Political tensions in Ngor Okpala local government area of Imo State have deepened following a strongly worded response by APP chieftain, Mr. Cajetan Duke, to recent comments by former federal lawmaker and Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Bede Ekeh, with Duke accusing the commissioner of attempting to rewrite political history and evade responsibility for years of alleged poor representation.
In a statement titled “Stop Reminding Ndi Ngor Okpala of Your Failure: A Personal Response to My Brother, Bede Ekeh,” Duke said Ekeh’s recent public interventions had once again reminded residents of what he described as years of unfulfilled promises and disappointing public service. He maintained that the people of Ngor Okpala remained fully aware of the political realities that shaped the area over the years.
Duke argued that public office should inspire humility and accountability, insisting that leaders who have little to show for years in office should avoid provoking public scrutiny. “Those who have little to celebrate in terms of measurable achievements should ordinarily avoid inviting unnecessary scrutiny through provocative public engagements,” he stated.
The APP chieftain further accused Ekeh of abandoning his responsibilities as Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development in favour of political battles. According to him, “Your assignment as Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development is to formulate policies, supervise projects and improve urban infrastructure, not to function as the government’s unofficial spokesperson or political attack dog.”
He said leadership should be judged by performance rather than media appearances, adding that the electorate possessed sufficient political awareness to evaluate the records of those who had occupied public offices. “Leadership is measured by the problems one solves, not by the adversaries one manufactures,” Duke said.
According to him, the people of Ngor Okpala deserve answers regarding years of political representation and public service. “History is rarely kind to officials whose tenures are remembered more for political quarrels than for developmental achievements,” he stated, warning that public legacies are built through service and not political controversies.
Duke also alleged that Ekeh’s repeated criticisms of political opponents were aimed at preserving his relevance within government circles. “It increasingly appears that attacking Amadi has become a convenient strategy for attracting the governor’s attention and justifying your continued place in the State Executive Council,” he said.
The APP stalwart cited the poor state of infrastructure in Ngor Okpala, particularly the Nguru–Umuneke Road, which he described as a nightmare for commuters, farmers, traders and schoolchildren. He also lamented the condition of public primary schools in Nguru Umuaro, saying many pupils are often sent home during rainfall because of fears that dilapidated roofs could collapse.
Duke urged the commissioner to focus his influence on attracting development projects to the area. “Convince the governor to reconstruct the Nguru–Umuneke Road. Fight for the rehabilitation of our schools. Attract meaningful housing and urban renewal projects to Ngor Okpala. These are the achievements that build enduring political legacies,” he said.
He maintained that the people of the local government were more interested in development, inclusion and effective representation than political quarrels. “Ngor Okpala needs advocates, not applause merchants. Our people deserve development, not distractions. Politics is temporary; legacy is permanent,” Duke stated.
