The Council of Elders of the Ukwa la Ngwa ethnic nationality in Abia State, have urged their kinsmen and people from other sections of the state to stop attacking former governor of the State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
The Elders condemned what they described as the high level vituperation, hatred, bitterness , disrespect, well orchestrated falsehood, and unnecessary disinformation that is being leveled against Ikpeazu and his administration on daily basis.
The Council also stated that it views the attacks as well crafted political gimmicks, not just to run down the former governor, but also to demarket Ukwa la Ngwa people.
It warned the Ukwa la Ngwa political class to embark on genuine reconciliation among themselves as brothers to counter an alleged plot to divide Ukwa la Ngwa people and reduce its fight spirit.
In a statement signed by the chairman of the Council, Dr. Max Nduaguibe, who noted that no governor before Ikpeazu has been insulted, abused and attacked by their opponents and a few disgruntled elements and called for immediate cease fire in any further attacks against Ukwa la Ngwa people which it said ,are intentionally being applied using Ikpeazu, as a cannon fodder.
The Council also rated Ikpeazu as the best governor among his predecessors and faulted the argument that the former governor achieved nothing for Ukwa la Ngwa and Abia people, respectively.
The statement read; “The Elders of Ukwa la Ngwa have continued to observe with rapt attention and interest the political development in Ukwa la Ngwa land since our son and brother, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu served out his eight years in office in 2023 as Governor of Abia State.
“The Council of Elders wants to use this auspicious moment to put a few issues in their proper perspective.
“That without unity and total reconciliation the political class in Ukwa la Ngwa cannot achieve its potential neither will it realize the aspirations and expectations of their followers and teeming supporters.
“That the vulgar attacks hauled at each other particularly on our son and brother, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu by his own ethnic brothers and others, have been unprecedented in the history of Abia State, whereas Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is not the first Governor of Abia State. None before him has been so insulted, abused and attacked by their opponents and a few disgruntled elements in Ukwa la Ngwa land.
“We, the Elders of Ukwa la Ngwa, do not completely accept the argument that Dr Okezie Ikpeazu achieved nothing for Ukwa la Ngwa people in particular and Abia State in general. As a matter of fact we rate him over and above his predecessors.Abia State was created in 1991 and not in 2015, when Ikpeazu became Governor.
“That, of course, we acquiesce to the opinion that Dr Ikpeazu undoubtedly concentrated power in the hands of a few individuals, who sadly refused to utilize such quality positions and resources for the benefit of Ukwa la Ngwa people.
“That the Elders of Ukwa la Ngwa frown at the level of vituperation, hatred, bitterness , disrespect, well-orchestrated falsehood, and unnecessary disinformation that is being leveled against Dr. Ikpeazu and his administration on daily basis.
“That the Council views these attacks as well crafted political gimmicks not just to run Dr. Ikpeazu down but to demarket Ukwa la Ngwa as a people.
“The Elders now call for an immediate cease-fire in any further attacks against Ukwa la Ngwa people which are intentionally being applied using Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as a cannon fodder.
“That we should see whatever experience we garnered from Dr Ikpeazu’s leadership as part of our learning process.
“That it has become most expedient for us now to once again unite ourselves politically and move forward, and to remember that a house divided against itself can never stand.
“That we are carefully watching the unfolding political development in the State and will make the appropriate statement as the scenario unfolds going forward, because once beaten twice shy.”
Peoplesmind
