The Ebonyi state chapter of the Labour Party has reminded the Minister of Works, Sen. David Umahi, that Peter Obi, the former Anambra State Governor, remains a brother, not an enemy, to the people of Ebonyi. This statement comes amid reported divisive remarks by Umahi concerning Obi and the people of Anambra State. The Labour Party, in a statement signed by its 2027 governorship candidate and other senatorial and federal constituency candidates, emphasized the importance of distinguishing between partisan competition and the broader interests of the Igbo people.
The Labour Party was reacting to Umahi's recent comments, which the party described as divisive. The party stressed that the relationship between Ebonyi and Anambra people predates contemporary partisan politics, with a history of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect. The party cited the historical contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen and philanthropists to Ebonyi's socio-economic development, demonstrating the depth of the relationship between the two states.
The party recalled the role allegedly played by Chief Arthur Eze in Umahi's political emergence, arguing that the history of the former governor's political rise could not be told without acknowledging the contributions of individuals from Anambra. The party urged Ebonyians not to be swayed by divisive political rhetoric, stressing that every citizen has the democratic right to support and vote for any candidate of their choice.
The Labour Party dismissed attempts to blame Obi for the controversy surrounding the reported renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State. Instead, the party argued that any grievance arising from the matter should be directed to the administration responsible for the decision. The party emphasized that Peter Obi remains a brother, not an enemy, to the people of Ebonyi.
On the issue of zoning, the Labour Party said, although significant, it should not supersede fundamental concerns of governance, economic empowerment, infrastructure, poverty reduction, and the welfare of citizens. The party urged Umahi, as Minister of Works, to focus on delivering critical infrastructure, particularly the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
The party also raised concerns over the socio-economic consequences of the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that the construction had affected businesses and displaced some traders. The party questioned the impact of the project on livelihoods, emphasizing the need for scrutiny.
The Labour Party stressed that thousands of Ebonyians live, trade, and conduct businesses in Anambra, and that the commercial and interpersonal ties between both states cannot be sacrificed on the altar of electoral rivalry. The party called on political leaders and their supporters across the South-East to exercise restraint, promote democratic tolerance, and place the collective interests of the Igbo people above individual political ambitions.
Key points
- The Labour Party reminds Umahi that Peter Obi is a brother, not an enemy, to the people of Ebonyi.
- The party urges Umahi to prioritize infrastructure development over politics.
- The party emphasizes the importance of preserving commercial and interpersonal ties between Ebonyi and Anambra states.
