A group known as the Ukwa Leaders of Thought, has demanded that all political parties in Abia State should select their Governorship and Abia South Senatorial candidates from the Ukwa Ethnic Nationality.
The Group said, “Ngwa Ethnic Nationality, having produced the sitting Governor should naturally back an Ukwa governorship candidate for 2023 general election.”
In a communique signed by 12 prominent Ukwa indigenes, among whom were Dr. Onwubiko Dike, Dr. Iyk Ajuzieogu, Elder A. E. Agomuo, Chief C. Y. Chigbu, after an emergency meeting of the body at Obehie, Asa in Ukwa West Local Government Area, on Tuesday, the group also said the Ukwa people was against forceful acquisition of any parcel of their land for private investments.
The communique reads:
“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.
“That Ngwa Ethnic Nationality having produced the sitting Governor should naturally back an Ukwa governorship candidate for 2023 general election.
“That Ngwa Ethnic Nationality having produced a Senator for Abia South Senatorial District for nearly sixteen years should relinquish the senatorial position to Ukwa Ethnic Nationality.
“That all political parties are strongly advised and encourage d to reflect the above demands of Ukwa Leaders of Thought in the selection of their candidates for 2023 general election.
“That any opinion contrary to that being canvassed by Ukwa Leaders of Thought should be discountenanced as it does not reflect the collective interest of Ukwa people.
“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 with its attendant social consequences.
“That Ukwa people vehemently stand against forceful acquisition of any parcel of their land for whatsoever private investments 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 utilised for public good.”