NEWS
Ohafia Youths Unite Under One Voice, Rally Support for Gov. Alex Otti as Deputy, Emetu Charges Abiriba, Nkporo, Ohafia Clans to Sustain Unity for Development
Ohafia Youths Unite Under One Voice, Rally Support for Gov. Alex Otti as Deputy, Emetu Charges Abiriba, Nkporo, Ohafia Clans to Sustain Unity for Development
…as They Rejects Descriptions as an IPOB Enclave, Insisting Ohafia is Home to Peaceful, Industrious and Courageous People
Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has called on youths across Ohafia Local Government Area to sustain the spirit of unity demonstrated by the three major clans of Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, stressing that collective action and a common voice are essential to the development of the area.
Channel
Emetu made the call when he received a solidarity delegation of youths from the three clans, who visited him to express their appreciation for and support of the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.
Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Otti, the Deputy Governor expressed delight at the coming together of youths from Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia under a common platform, describing the development as a demonstration of the unity he had long desired for the local government.
He urged the youth leaders to make the unity more than a one-time gathering, encouraging them to sustain their collaboration and collective engagement in the interest of the people.
Emetu appealed to the various youth presidents and leaders to continue working together and speaking with one voice, noting that the collective interests and development of Ohafia would be better served through cooperation than division.
He also commended the youths for their peaceful engagement and civic participation, assuring them that Governor Otti would be briefed on the messages, expressions of support and formal documents presented during the visit.
The Deputy Governor further urged the people of Ohafia to continue projecting the area as a peaceful, industrious and development-oriented community, while rejecting attempts to portray its people negatively.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Emetu also encouraged eligible voters across Abia North Senatorial District, comprising Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi Local Government Areas, to participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that votes cast by citizens are properly recorded and followed through the collation process, while calling on the gathering to support Labour Party candidates for the Ohafia North State Constituency, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and Abia North Senatorial District.
Emetu specifically solicited support for the Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, citing the Abiriba-born politician’s contributions to development efforts within Ohafia Local Government Area.
According to the Deputy Governor, the decision to back Bourdex’s senatorial ambition was based on his record of service and the expectation that his continued public service would bring further opportunities for development.
Earlier, the youth leaders explained that their visit was primarily to appreciate Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu for what they described as visible development across Abia State, particularly in infrastructure and human capital development.
The delegation, representing Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, arrived in distinctive uniforms and displayed placards and banners bearing messages of support for the Otti led-administration.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the youth representatives emphasised the importance of unity and collective action in advancing the interests of Ohafia and strengthening the community’s participation in governance and democratic processes.
The youths also rejected descriptions of Ohafia as an IPOB enclave, insisting instead that the area is home to peaceful, industrious and courageous people committed to development, good governance and democratic participation.
The gathering subsequently witnessed strong expressions of support for the Otti administration and the Labour Party, with the youths declaring their commitment to the administration’s development agenda.
The delegation was represented by youth leaders from the three clans, including Mr. Ogba Kalu Ogba of Abiriba, Elder Agwu Iwela Otuwe of Nkporo and Mr. Ume Kalu Nwachinemere of Ohafia.
The representatives presented a formal letter documenting their position and requested that the message be conveyed to Governor Otti.
The visit ended on a colourful note with cultural performances, solidarity chants and the presentation of symbolic uniforms to Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu, further underscoring the unity displayed by the three clans throughout the engagement.