The Labour Party in Ebonyi State has denounced recent remarks by Minister of Works and former Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, targeting the people of Anambra State and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi. The party described Umahi's comments as divisive and urged Ebonyi and other Igbo communities to resist attempts to create disunity for political gains. Ebonyi Labour Party's 2023 governorship candidate, Splendour Oko Eze, signed the statement alongside other party candidates.
The Labour Party emphasized that Anambra people have never treated Ebonyi indigenes as second-class citizens, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two states built on shared culture, commerce, brotherhood, and mutual respect. The party cited contributions from prominent Anambra businessmen, including Arthur Eze, Cletus Ibeto, and Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, to Ebonyi State's development and wellbeing.
According to the Labour Party, Umahi's rise to becoming Ebonyi governor in 2015 was partly due to the role played by Eze. The party encouraged Ebonyi residents not to be swayed by what it termed divisive rhetoric, stressing that every Nigerian has a constitutional right to support and vote for their preferred candidate. The party reiterated that Peter Obi remains a brother, not an enemy, and pointed out that thousands of Ebonyi indigenes live, work, and prosper in Anambra State.
The Labour Party specifically mentioned Ngbuka Obosi as a commercial centre in Anambra that has created opportunities for many Ebonyi families. The party rejected any attempt to blame Obi for the renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State, directing any grievance over the decision to the current Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who has the authority over such matters.
The Labour Party also criticized Umahi over the state of major federal roads in the South East, including the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The party urged the minister to focus on infrastructure development rather than promoting political divisions. Additionally, the party raised concerns over the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that it led to the destruction of businesses, displacement of traders, and loss of livelihoods.
The party questioned whether the Vanco Flyover project was genuinely designed to promote development or was influenced by political considerations. The Labour Party called on Igbo people at home and abroad to reject divisive politics and uphold unity, solidarity, and brotherhood among the five South Eastern states. The party emphasized that Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi are one family united by a common heritage and destiny.
The Labour Party, Ebonyi State, concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritize unity and development over political interests. The party's statement was signed by various party officials, including Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze, Labour Party Gubernatorial Candidate for Ebonyi State, and Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, LP Candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency.
Key points
- Ebonyi Labour Party condemns David Umahi's comments against Anambra people and Peter Obi.
- The party emphasizes unity and mutual respect between Ebonyi and Anambra states.
- Labour Party urges focus on infrastructure development and unity among South Eastern states.
