The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized members of the Abia State House of Assembly for embarking on what it described as a “jamboree trip” to the United Kingdom under the guise of a legislative seminar. The lawmakers reportedly traveled for a “High-Level Legislative Seminar” after passing a vote of confidence on Governor Alex Otti’s administration, citing his achievements across various sectors of the state.

However, the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Eric Ikwuagwu, faulted the trip, describing it as unnecessary and a misuse of public funds. He argued that if the legislators were genuinely interested in improving their legislative skills, they should have chosen to study parliaments in countries that operate the presidential system of government, similar to Nigeria’s, rather than the United Kingdom, which practices the parliamentary system.

“This so-called seminar is nothing but an excursion and sightseeing trip,” Ikwuagwu stated. He further questioned the relevance of the program, insisting that the lawmakers were merely using public resources for personal luxury under the pretext of legislative training.

The PDP spokesman also accused the lawmakers of failing to prioritize the needs of the people, adding that the Assembly should focus on enacting laws that will improve governance and promote transparency in the state instead of engaging in foreign trips with little or no benefit to Abians.

Meanwhile, supporters of the ruling government defended the visit, arguing that such international engagements can help legislators gain broader exposure and bring back valuable insights that could enhance governance in Abia State.