The Labour Party in Ebonyi State has rejected recent remarks by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, concerning the people of Anambra State and former governor, Peter Obi.
The party described Umahi’s comments as divisive, warning that attempts to create disunity among South-East communities for political gains must be resisted.
The party made its position known in a statement signed by its gubernatorial candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze, alongside Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, Chief Henry Udeh, Chief Ogbodo Nwede and Mitchell Nwabueze Michael.
The Labour Party said Anambra people had never treated Ebonyi indigenes as second-class citizens.
It said the relationship between the two states was built on years of shared culture, commerce, brotherhood and mutual respect.
The party cited the contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen, including Chief Arthur Eze, Cletus Ibeto and Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, to the development of Ebonyi State and the wellbeing of its people.
According to the party, Umahi could not tell the story of how he became Ebonyi governor in 2015 without acknowledging the role played by Chief Arthur Eze, also known as Ozo Igbo Ndu.
The party urged Ebonyi residents not to be swayed by what it described as divisive rhetoric, stressing that every Nigerian had a constitutional right to support and vote for a candidate of choice.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the party said.
It noted that thousands of Ebonyi indigenes live, work and prosper in Anambra State.
The party specifically mentioned Ngbuka Obosi as one of the commercial centres in Anambra that had created opportunities for many Ebonyi families.
It also rejected attempts to blame Obi for the renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State.
The party said any grievance over the decision should instead be directed at the current Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, who it said had the authority over such matters.
The Labour Party further criticised Umahi over the condition of major federal roads in the South-East, including the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
It urged the minister to concentrate on infrastructure development rather than promoting political divisions in the region.
The party also raised concerns over the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that its construction resulted in the destruction of businesses, displacement of traders and loss of livelihoods.
It questioned whether the 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 preserve unity, solidarity and brotherhood among the five South-Eastern states.
“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,” the party said.
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