By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Labour Party (LP) in Ebonyi State has faulted the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, over his recent remarks on former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, urging him to avoid political exchanges capable of straining the longstanding relationship between Ebonyi and Anambra states.
The party, in a statement issued in Abakaliki, also urged Umahi, the former governor of Ebonyi State, to prioritise the delivery of critical infrastructure and the rehabilitation of federal roads across the South-East.
Umahi had recently engaged Obi in a public political exchange, asserting that there was no area in which the former Anambra governor was superior to him and that their records, backgrounds, intellectual capacity and contributions to the South-East could be compared. He also argued that it was not yet the turn of the South-East to produce the President.
Reacting in the statement signed by its 2027 governorship candidate, Comrade Chief Splendour Oko Eze; Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency candidate, Dr Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh; Ebonyi South Senatorial candidate, Chief Henry Udeh; and Ebonyi North Senatorial candidate, Chief Ogbodo Nwede Mitchell Nwabueze Michael, the LP urged political actors to protect the historic ties between the people of Ebonyi and Anambra.
The party said the relationship between both states was built on decades of commerce, cultural exchanges and social interaction, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine those bonds.
“We state categorically that Anambra people do not treat Ebonyi people as second-class citizens.
“The relationship between Ndi Anambra and Ndi Ebonyi is founded on decades of brotherhood, shared culture, commerce, and mutual respect,” the statement said.
The LP 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, while noting that thousands of Ebonyians live and conduct businesses in Anambra.
“Peter Obi remains our brother, not our enemy,” the party declared, insisting that every citizen had a constitutional right to support and vote for a candidate of choice.
The party also challenged Umahi, in his capacity as Works Minister, to focus on the condition of federal roads in the region, particularly the Enugu-Abakaliki Federal Highway and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, which it described as vital economic corridors.
“As Minister of Works, Engr. Umahi should focus on delivering critical infrastructure rather than promoting political divisions,” the LP said.
On the controversy surrounding the removal or renaming of Abakaliki Street in Anambra, the party said Obi should not be held responsible for decisions taken by a subsequent administration, urging those aggrieved by the matter to direct their concerns to the appropriate authorities.
The LP 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, and called for greater attention to the socio-economic impact of major infrastructure projects on residents.
The party further argued that the debate over zoning should not overshadow issues of governance, poverty reduction, economic empowerment and infrastructure development in Ebonyi.
It called on Ndigbo at home and abroad to reject divisive politics and preserve the bonds among the five South-East 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 statement added.