As the debate on which zone should produce the next Abia governor rages on, Ukwa Leaders of Thought have called on the Ngwa ethnic nationalities, having produced the sitting governor, to give her full support to Ukwa ethnic nationalities come 2023.
The Leaders of Thought in an emergency meeting held at Obehie, Asa on April 12, 2022, issued a communique where they tabled their demands. They also, asked the Ngwa ethnic groups to relinquish the Senatorial position, which is currently being occupied by an Ngwa Man, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe.
The Ukwa Leaders called on Political Parties in Abia to zone their tickets to Ukwa, noting that the Abia Charter of Equity, which paved way for the current administration should be respected at all cost.
The group, stressing that Ukwa people are predominantly farmers, however, called on the state government to stop the forceful acquisition of their land.
Warning that any forceful acquisition of their land by Abia State Government will lead to dislocation of their lives and livelihoods culminating in fuelling large scale poverty with its attendant social consequences.
Read the full communique below:
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE EMERGENCY MEETING OF UKWA
LEADERS OF THOUGHT HELD AT OBEHIE, ASA ON APRIL 12, 2022
In the Emergency Meeting of Ukwa Leaders of Thought held at Obehie, Asa on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, it was unanimously agreed and resolved as follows:
1. That the spirit of Abia Charter of Equity should be consciously and conscientiously reflected in effective political representations in the old Aba Zone, verging on the socio-political relationship of Ukwa and Ngwa Ethnic Nationalities that make up the zone.
2. That Ngwa Ethnic Nationality having produced the sitting governor should naturally back an Ukwa governorship candidate for 2023 general election.
3. That Ngwa Ethnic Nationality having produced a Senator for Abia South Senatorial District for nearly sixteen (16) years should relinquish the Senatorial position to Ukwa Ethnic Nationality.
4. That all political parties are strongly advised and encouraged to reflect the above demands of Ukwa Leaders of Thought in the selection of their candidates for 2023 general election.
5. That any opinion contrary to that being canvassed by Ukwa Leaders of Thought should be discountenanced as it does not reflect the collective interests of Ukwa people.
6. That Ukwa people are predominantly subsistent farmers and any forceful acquisition of their land by Abia State Government will lead to dislocation of their lives and livelihoods culminating in fuelling large scale poverty with its attendant social consequences.
7. That Ukwa people vehemently stand against forceful acquisition of any parcel of their land for private investments or whatsoever, as this will cause untold hardship to Ndi-Ukwa. It is instructive to observe that the previously acquired lands for Obuaku City, Ogwe Golden Chicken, Umudobia International market, Omumauzor Housing Estate and Abia Palm Projects in Ukwa are yet to be utilized for public good.
Note: He who professes equity must keep his two hands clean.
Sign
1). Dr. Onwubiko N.Dike
2). Dr. Ik Ajuzieogu
3). Elder A. E. Agomuo
4). S.A. Ahunanya(JP)
5). Hi Chief Emma Gally
6). Nna Joel
7). Uchemadu Kamanu
8). Chief C.Y. Chigbu
9). Agu Bright U.
10). Livingstone Emeka Okere
11). Chief SN Nwaigwe
12). Israel N. Obilor
