The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State, has rejected what it described as divisive remarks by the Minister of Works and former governor of the state, Engr. David Umahi, concerning the people of Anambra State and former Anambra Governor, Mr. Peter Obi.
The party urged Nigerians, particularly Ndigbo, to resist political rhetoric capable of creating divisions among people with longstanding cultural, economic and social ties.
Reacting in a statement, LP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze, and the party’s candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, said the party dissociated itself from remarks that could portray Anambra people as adversaries of Ebonyi.
According to the statement, “We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens. The relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi is founded on decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect.
“It is on record that prominent Anambrarians, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chief Innocent Chukwuma (Innoson), and many others, have contributed significantly to the political and economic growth of Ebonyi State and its people, including the rise of several leaders across the state.
“Their goodwill reflects the enduring bond that exists among Ndigbo. His Excellency Engr David Nweze Umahi cannot tell the story of how he became the Governor of Ebonyi State in 2015 without mentioning the prominent role played by Chief Arthur Eze (Ozo Igbo Ndu).
“We urge Ebonyi people not to be swayed by divisive rhetoric. Every citizen has the constitutional right to support and vote for any candidate of his or her choice. No one should seek to portray fellow Igbos as enemies for political advantage.
“While zoning remains a delicate topic, history has names and faces of leaders who have contested against the so-called zoning arrangement in the past. We have names and know them. The issue before us now is governance that addresses the needs of Ndi Ebonyi.
“The governance that lifts our people out of poverty, that provides and empowers our people and not one focused on greedy stakeholders who have become gatekeepers of incompetence and evil politics. Ebonyi’s urgent task is to rescue itself from the politics of deceit that Umahi introduced in 2015.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy. Thousands of Ebonyi indigenes live, work, and prosper in Anambra State. Commercial centres such as Ngbuka Obosi have created opportunities that have transformed the lives of countless Ebonyi families. These realities speak louder than political propaganda.”
The LP, however, acknowledged that questions surrounding the project’s conception and motivations were matters for public scrutiny and historical assessment, rather than established facts.
The party called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to reject politics that could pit one South-East state against another.
“We also wish to remind Engr. Umahi that Peter Obi bears no responsibility for the renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State. Any grievance arising from that decision should be directed to the current Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, who had the authority over such matters, rather than being weaponised for political attacks against Peter Obi.
“More importantly, Ndigbo are increasingly concerned about governance and performance. As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions.
“The Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, two major economic corridors in Alaigbo, remain in poor condition despite repeated assurances and public expectations.
“We also regret that the controversial Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki resulted in the destruction of businesses, displacement of traders, and loss of livelihoods for many citizens. What was presented as a development project has left lasting economic and social consequences for countless families.
“Many affected residents continue to ask whether the project was genuinely conceived to advance development or whether it served as a political vendetta against perceived opponents and economic interests, particularly those associated with our Anambra brothers. While history will render its verdict, the pain, hardship, and economic losses suffered by ordinary citizens remain undeniable.
“At this critical moment, we call on all Igbo sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to reject divisive politics and embrace the values of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood. Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny. We must not allow political interests to divide us.”