By joshua Ebonyi LP Tackles Umahi Over Anambra Remarks, Demands Focus on Governance
The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has criticised the Minister of Works and former state governor, Engr. David Umahi, over his recent remarks concerning former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, and the political choices of Ebonyians, urging him to concentrate on governance and infrastructure delivery rather than divisive political rhetoric.
The party said it was particularly concerned about what it described as attempts to create antagonism between Ebonyi people and their counterparts in Anambra State, stressing that both states had maintained longstanding cultural, commercial and social ties.
Reacting in a statement signed by its 2027 governorship candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze; candidate for Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh; Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Chief Henry Udeh; and Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Ogbodo Nwede Mitchell Nwabueze Michael, the Ebonyi LP said political disagreements should not be allowed to erode the bonds between the two states.
“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens,” the party said, describing the relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi as one founded on “decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect.”
The party cited the contributions of prominent Anambra businessmen, including Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Cletus Ibeto and Chief Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson, to the economic development of Ebonyi State.
It argued that the historical interactions between the two states demonstrated the depth of their interdependence and should not be subjected to the pressures of partisan politics.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the statement declared, urging Ebonyians to exercise their political rights without being persuaded to regard fellow Igbo people as adversaries.
The LP further maintained that every citizen was constitutionally entitled to support and vote for a candidate of his or her choice, adding that political competition should be conducted within the bounds of democratic tolerance.
The party said the more pressing responsibility of a serving minister was to address infrastructure and development challenges confronting Nigerians.
“As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions,” the party stated.
It specifically cited the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway as major economic corridors in the South-East requiring sustained attention and effective delivery.
The party also criticised the Vanco Flyover project in Abakaliki, alleging that its execution led to the destruction of businesses, displacement of traders and loss of livelihoods for some residents.
It questioned the socio-economic consequences of the project and said affected citizens continued to bear the impact of the disruption to their businesses and livelihoods.
The LP further addressed the controversy over the renaming or removal of Abakaliki Street in Anambra State, insisting that Obi should not be held responsible for decisions taken by a subsequent administration.
It argued that any grievance arising from the decision should be directed to the relevant authority in Anambra State rather than used as a basis for political attacks against the former governor.
On the contentious issue of zoning, the party said the debate should not overshadow the fundamental concerns of governance, economic empowerment, poverty reduction and infrastructure development.
It urged political leaders to place the welfare of citizens above personal and partisan considerations, stressing that the South-East could only advance through cooperation and collective development.
“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.
The LP consequently called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to reject divisive politics and preserve the commercial, cultural and social relationships that have historically connected communities across the South-East.