By  Charles Kumolu

Umuahia — The Ukwa/Ngwa Grassroots Youth Forum, UGYF, has urged political stakeholders in the state to uphold the tenets of the Abia Charter of Equity as envisioned by the state’s founding fathers.

Speaking at the end of a meeting of the forum, the group’s national president, Mr. Okey Nwachukwu called on stakeholders particularly from the Old Bende bloc to uphold the principles of the charter drawn up by the founding fathers of the state at creation.

He said that upholding the rotation of power between Old Bende and the Old Aba divisions in the state would sustain peace, equity, justice and fair play in the state.

While commending Governor Theodore Orji for his initiative in pushing for someone from the Ukwa/Ngwa axis of the state to succeed him, Nwachukwu urged political stakeholders from the Old Bende bloc to uphold the principle for the purpose of equity.

He said: “We the youth group of Ukwa/Ngwa land hereby demand that it was time for Old Bende to reciprocate our good and long standing gesture of patience by supporting our governors stand in having Ukwa/Ngwa person become governor come 2015.  While appealing to well meaning Abians to support the spirit of Abia Charter of Equity to give the Ukwa/Ngwa and Ochendo our governor who is eager to break this jinx a chance for equity to thrive in Abia State.

“Power has remained in the hands of the old Bende made up of eight (8) local governments namely:- Bende LGA, Arochukwu LGA, Ohafia LGA, Isikwuato LGA, Umunneochi LGA, Ikwuano LGA, Umuahia North LGA and Umuahia South LGA since the creation of Abia State 22 years ago and no Ukwa/Ngwa person has been elected as governor to this date.”

“That the political leaders of Ukwa/Ngwa clan affirm their support for a peaceful, united, strong and vibrant Abia state under the leadership of Ochendo. This affirmation is crucial and above any individual interest. Any plan, gathering or propagation contrary to the forgoing ought to be seen as rambling and a distraction.

As a result, we call upon all Ukwa/Ngwa politicians and elites to support our amiable governor T.A Orji, a formidable, rare and brave political leader from Old Bende bloc on crucial issues of national importance, especially where these issues border on the welfare of the people and general well being of Ukwa/Ngwa indigenes and Abians in general.”