The Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, has found himself at the center of a social media storm, prompting his Media Team to issue a strong rebuttal against what they term “ego-driven and slanderous” attacks on his character and leadership. The controversy mirrors, in spirit, the famous “Why Always Me?” declaration by Italian footballer Mario Balotelli, who faced relentless racial attacks despite his on-field achievements.
The dispute stems from a recent Facebook post by one Onyeoma Franklin, which allegedly attempted to malign Chairman Aka’s integrity and commitment, particularly by questioning his continued role as a Master of Ceremonies (MC) at official State public events alongside his official duties.
Aka Eze Aka, officiating as the MC and Rapporteur, during a State function, at Michael Okpara Square Enugu, recently
In a statement released by the Aka Eze Aka Media Team, obtained by our correspondent, the Chairman’s supporters expressed “deep disappointment, but with even deeper resolve” to address the allegations. They emphasized that while “healthy criticism is a pillar of democracy,” Franklin’s post “falls far beneath that standard.”
“Leadership is not a costume, it’s a calling,” the statement declared, asserting that Aka Eze Aka is not merely a Chairman in title, but “one in responsibility, and in performance.”
The Media Team highlighted the Chairman’s immediate impact since taking office, citing “milestones in infrastructure renewal, youth empowerment, grassroots development, and human capital investment on some civil servants including Teachers.” They contrasted his approach with “some who treat public office as a ceremonial seat,” underscoring Aka’s belief that “leadership is action, not position.”
Aka Eze Aka delivering an opening speech at the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration, in Obollo Afor recently.
The crux of Franklin’s alleged grievance, according to the Media team, appears to be the Chairman’s “God-given talent in anchoring public events.” The statement posed a rhetorical question: “Is that the new sin in our society, that a man is too gifted for the comfort of those watching from the sidelines?”
The Chairman’s Team emphatically refuted the notion that being an MC detracts from his executive responsibilities. Instead, they argued, it “enhances them,” reflecting his “humility and approachability.” They recounted Aka’s past as a voice for the voiceless on Radio Nigeria, noting that he now “lends his voice to dignified ceremonies, endearing himself to both the grassroots and the elite,” not for personal gain but “as a selfless service to the State.”
The statement went further, connecting the Chairman’s MC engagements to the discerning choice of Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. “The Governor… continues to engage him in official functions, not because there are no other capable hands, but because excellence chooses its own ambassadors,” the Media Team asserted. They challenged Franklin to “re-direct his angst to the highest office in the State” if he truly finds fault with such engagements, doubting his “courage” to do so.
Ultimately, the Aka Eze Aka Media Team characterized Onyeoma Franklin’s “tirade” as stemming from “envy in the age of influence,” quoting scientist Harold Coffin’s definition of envy as “the art of counting the other fellow’s blessings instead of your own.” They dismissed the criticism as a “poorly veiled” attempt at civic concern, typical of those who expect individuals to discard their skills upon ascending to leadership.
Udenu Chairman, Aka Eze Aka, test-running the Motorbikes his administration donated to Neighborhood Watch Security Guards, to beef up security against kidnappers, last month.
The statement concluded with a stern “public advisory” to Franklin and others who “weaponize social media as a tool for envy-driven attacks.” They warned that “freedom of speech is not freedom from consequences,” and that “cyberbullying and character defamation are not hallmarks of activism” but “signs of desperation and decay.”
The team vowed that “this attempt to ridicule a man who has brought honour, humility, and integrity into office will not go unanswered.”
In a direct challenge, they urged Critics to “channel your keyboard activism toward causes that matter, like youth unemployment,” or better still, “contest an election, win it, and let’s see if you can combine half the grace, and capacity, that Aka brings to the table.”
The Aka Eze Aka Media Team firmly declared that the Chairman “is not stepping down from being MC. He is stepping up as a symbol of multifaceted leadership,” expressing immense pride in his contributions.
