Ukwa la Ngwa Renaissance Condemns Gov. Alex Otti’s Position on Aba State Creation: “A Betrayal of History and Ngwa Identity”

We, the members of Ukwa Ngwa Renaissance, have carefully read the response issued by Governor Alex Otti concerning Hon. Paul Ikonne’s position on the creation of an additional state in the Southeast, particularly the long-standing proposal for Aba State, which would comprise largely of the nine local government areas of the Ukwa la Ngwa zone.

We wish to respond as follows:

The agitation for the creation of Aba State is not a recent political convenience, it is a historic struggle that dates as far back as 1958, championed by some of our most illustrious forebears, including the legendary Jaja Wachukwu, Nigeria’s first indigenous Minister of Foreign Affairs. This agitation represents the collective aspiration of the Ukwa Ngwa people, rooted in justice, equity, and historical identity.

The current constitutional amendment process presents yet another golden opportunity to correct decades of imbalance and systemic marginalization of Ndigbo in Nigeria’s federal structure. It is not a time to revisit old grudges or suppress legitimate aspirations with veiled sentiments.

Governor Otti’s public rejection of the Aba State proposal is both embarrassing and unfortunate. His reference to a 2020 publication in ThisDay as justification is not only flimsy but betrays a deeply seated animosity that he has long harbored against the Ngwa people.

Let the records be clear: long before the 2015 elections, Dr. Otti had never hidden his disdain for Nde Ngwa. Despite being of Ngwa origin himself, there is no visible evidence of his contribution to the zone, no empowerment, no scholarships, no community projects, no trace of impact.

During his years in high-ranking corporate positions whether at First Bank or the defunct Diamond Bank, Dr. Otti is known to have helped only three people from Ngwa land secure employment. Two years into his administration as Governor, with his residence firmly situated in Nvosi, Ngwa land has remained untouched by meaningful development.

The only road project attributed to him in Isiala Ngwa South is the paltry completion of a 2km road initially abandoned by the NDDC since 2017. The primary school near his home in Umuehim remains in deplorable condition, and the community continues to rely on August Meetings to raise funds for basic needs. Is this the legacy of a son of the soil?

Worse still, his appointees from the Ngwa bloc are mostly linked to his Aro heritage, not truly representative of the Ngwa communities. Ukwa Ngwa LGAs have remained without full compliment of a permanent secretary’s since Otti took office a calculated marginalization. Meanwhile, a dedicated 33kV power line passes through 18 Ngwa communities en route to his house, yet these surrounding villages remain in total darkness.

How else can we define systematic hatred?

Hon. Paul Ikonne merely gave voice to what we all know and feel. Those who hoped that Governor Otti would have a change of heart,especially after his recent meeting with members of the Aba Union,are realizing that a leopard does not change its spots.

We urge Governor Otti to retrace his steps and begin to show true empathy, inclusion, and understanding.

The Ngwa people deserve better, we deserve equity, visibility, and most importantly, leadership that doesn’t turn its back on its own.

Signed

Ositadinma Ndubuisi
Chairman

Stanley Chukwudi
Secretary