Anyaso Fires Back at PDP, Says Abia Now More Affordable Under Otti

...Defends Governor’s Record, Announces Replacement Car for Methodist Bishop

The Labour Party candidate for Bende Federal Constituency, Dr. Chima Anyaso, has challenged claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike, that the state is the most expensive place to live in Nigeria, insisting that living conditions have become more affordable under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.

Anyaso made the remarks on Sunday while congratulating the Bishop and members of the Methodist Church, Diocese of Item, on the successful celebration of their 2026 Harvest Thanksgiving at the Methodist Church, Okoko Item, in Bende Local Government Area.

Speaking during the service, the Bende federal constituency hopeful maintained that Abia had moved beyond the challenges of previous administrations and should not return to what he described as the state’s troubled past under the PDP.

“Abians have moved on, and our song has changed under the Labour Party administration of Governor Alex Otti,” Anyaso declared.

Reacting to Anosike’s claim about the cost of living in the state, Anyaso rejected the assertion, arguing that Abia was now among the more affordable places to live.

“Abia is not the most expensive state to live in. Abia State is the cheapest state to live in,” he said.

His comments formed part of his broader defence of the Otti administration, as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a gesture that added a philanthropic dimension to the occasion, Anyaso also announced the provision of a replacement vehicle for the Methodist Bishop of Item Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ikechukwu Nkulo, after learning that the cleric’s existing vehicle had been grounded for several months due to mechanical problems.

Responding to the situation, Anyaso declared that he would provide a new vehicle rather than repair the old one.

“We are not fixing a car; we are changing your car,” he announced, drawing applause from worshippers and other guests at the service.

Earlier, Bishop Nkulo delivered a sermon titled “When God Does Great Things,” drawing inspiration from Psalm 126:3, which celebrates the great things the Lord has done for His people.

Reflecting on the biblical account of the Israelites’ experience in exile in Babylon and their eventual restoration, the cleric encouraged Christians to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful in the face of adversity.

He said difficult seasons would not last forever and urged the congregation to trust in God’s ability to bring about positive change, even in seemingly hopeless circumstances.

“No matter how difficult it is, if the Israelites could say, ‘We were like them that dreamt,’ then for us, we will soon shout, ‘It is like a dream,’” the Bishop said.

He also urged worshippers to acknowledge and openly testify to God’s blessings in their lives, stressing the importance of gratitude and faith.

“If you can recall one thing or the other the Lord has done for you, then declare it with your own mouth: ‘The Lord has done great things for me,’” he added.

The Bishop emphasised that every good and great blessing has a source, identifying Almighty God as the ultimate giver of all good things.

Among dignitaries who attended the harvest thanksgiving service was the member representing Bende North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, alongside other church members and invited guests.