DEPUTY GOVERNOR EMETU CHARGES OHAFIA YOUTHS TO SUSTAIN UNITY, AS THREE CLANS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR GOVERNOR OTTI AND LABOUR PARTY

The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has charged youths across Ohafia Local Government Area to sustain the unity demonstrated by the three clans of Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, saying that speaking with one voice remains critical to the development of the area.

Emetu gave the charge when he received a solidarity delegation of youths from the three clans, who visited him in his office to express their appreciation and support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

The Deputy Governor, who received the delegation on behalf of Governor Otti, expressed delight at seeing youths from Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia come together under one platform, describing the gathering as a demonstration of the unity he had always desired for Ohafia.

“This should not just be a dress rehearsal. This should continue forever and ever. That’s where the development of the local government will come from,” Emetu said.

He appealed to the various youth presidents and leaders to maintain one voice and work together in the interest of the people, stressing that the collective development of Ohafia would be better served by unity and cooperation rather than division.

Emetu also commended the youths for their peaceful engagement and civic participation, assuring them that Governor Otti would be informed of their messages, expressions of support and the formal documents presented during the visit.

The Deputy Governor urged the people of Ohafia to continue projecting the area as a peaceful, industrious and development-oriented community, rejecting attempts to portray the people negatively.

He further encouraged eligible voters across the five local government areas of Abia North—Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi, to participate actively and peacefully in the 2027 electoral process and ensure that their votes are properly recorded and followed through the collation process.

On the 2027 general elections, Emetu called on the gathering to support the Labour Party candidates for the Ohafia North and South State Constituencies, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and Abia North Senatorial District.

He solicited support for the Labour Party’s Abia North Senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, noting that the Abiriba-born candidate had contributed to development efforts within Ohafia Local Government Area.

“The reward of a good work is more work. And that’s why we are sending Chief Bourdex to the Senate,” he said.

The Deputy Governor also urged the youths to continue to promote peaceful democratic participation and responsible engagement as the 2027 elections approach.

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 the three clans of Ohafia Local Government Area, arrived in distinctive uniforms and with placards and banners bearing messages of support for the Otti administration.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the youth representatives emphasised the importance of unity and collective action in advancing the interests of Ohafia.

They also rejected descriptions of Ohafia as an “IPOB enclave”, describing the people of the area instead as peaceful, industrious, courageous and committed to good governance and democratic participation.

The youth leaders declared their support for the Otti-led administration and expressed confidence in its development agenda, with the gathering erupting in solidarity chants, including a declaration of “100 over 100” support for the Governor and the Labour Party.

The delegation was represented by youth leaders from Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, including Mr. Ogba Kalu Ogba, Elder Agwu Iwela Otuwe and Mr. Ume Kalu Nwachinemere, respectively, who joined in presenting the group’s message to the Deputy Governor.

The youth leaders subsequently presented a formal letter documenting their position and requested that the message be conveyed to Governor Otti.

The visit ended with cultural performances, solidarity chants and the presentation of symbolic uniforms to Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu.

Aides to the Deputy Governor and the Heads of Departments, Office of the Deputy Governor witnessed the visit.

Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
September 30, 2026.