PRESS STATEMENT
WAKE-UP CALL TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS OF NGWA EXTRACTION
We, the members of Ngwa Rangers, are fed up with the lack of progress on the creation of Aba State. Despite our repeated calls and agitation, our elected representatives have failed to take concrete action to address this issue.
The agitation for Aba State started as far back as 1915, with renewed efforts in 1954, 1980, 1983, and 2021. In September 2021, the Aba State Creation Movement reopened the call for the creation of Aba State during their visit to the Guild of Imo Elders (GIE). Meanwhile, the agitation for Orlu State, which started much later, is now on the verge of being granted. This is a clear indication of the lack of effective representation and leadership from our elected officials.
We note that the creation of Orlu State has passed the first reading in the House of Representatives, while Aba State is yet to receive the same level of attention. Furthermore, we observe that a first-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Ogah, is already agitating for the creation of Etiti State, which is a clear indication that our own Aba State, whose agitation has been ongoing for over a century, is being neglected.
We elected you to represent our interests, fight for our rights, and ensure that our voices are heard in the corridors of power. We did not elect you to enjoy the perks of being an Abuja-based politician, attend lavish parties, or enrich yourselves at our expense. We elected you to work for us, serve our people, and bring development to our region.
Recently, one of our senators led a group to the Attorney General of the Federation, demanding the release of our brother, MNK, who has been unjustly held by the DSS despite a court order granting him bail. While we applaud this move and urge its prioritization, we advise our representatives to equally give a voice to the agitation for Aba State.
We demand that you take immediate action to address this issue. We expect you to:
1. Sponsor a bill for the creation of Aba State
2. Engage in dialogue with your colleagues to garner support for the bill
3. Organize public hearings and town hall meetings to gather input from our people
4. Use your platform to raise awareness about the need for Aba State
We expect a response from you within two weeks, indicating your plan of action on this matter. If we do not see any concrete action, we will be forced to mobilize our people to demand their rights.
WE WILL NO LONGER BE SILENCED OR IGNORED!
Signed:
Comrade Kingsley Ihesiaba
Publicity Secretary,
NGWA RANGERS
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