Ogbako Ohaji rejects inclusion in proposed Orlu State

The apex social cultural body that speaks for the good people of Ohaji district in conjunction with other major stakeholders; Ogbako Ohaji People’s Forum, has revealed their stand over the proposed creation of Orlu State, saying they are in support of the move, but totally reject being made part of the State.

They disclosed this on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the Senate President of the National Assembly, which was signed by the National President of the Forum, High Chief Sir Fidelis Enya (KSJI), and his Secretary, Dr. Theodore Amunwa, the Chairman of the Ogbako Ohaji Committee on State Creation, Hon. Chief Johnbosco Ben, and his Secretary, Prof. Meshack Ifurueze, including the National Congress of Ohaji Youth (NACOY), Comrade Nwosu Nicholas Tochi.

They noted that they do not accept the merger as among other reasons, Ohaji nation does not have cultural and social affinity with Orlu people, adding that political alliance and relationship should be by choice and agreement, not by compulsion.

According to them,”Caving out an additional State for the Southeast would not only correct the atrocious imbalance among the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria but would go a long way to assuage, placate and give them an equivalent sense of belonging.

“However, the Ohaji nation which is bigger than four (4) Local Government Areas in some parts of Imo state is regrettably merged with Egbema. Ohaji nation which has almost four hundred thousand (400,000) people in population made up of twenty five (25) recognized autonomous communities and seven (7) INEC political wards unanimously, unequivocally, and vehemently reject any attempt to include us in the creation of Orlu State or any other geopolitical contraption so named.

“It is even more egregious and insulting that even as we write, none of the Promoters of such phantom proposals, have thought it necessary to reach us as they have taken for granted that we must acquiesce to their plans.

“It is pertinent to emphasize that the inclusion of Ohaji district in Orlu senatorial zone abini-tio was an aberration as it was an inconvenient political marriage for strange bed fellows that was merely driven by greed, selfishness, annexation, conquest, bribery of a few leaders who acquiesced to this aberration but thank God, the time has come for its correction,’ they averred’.

Citing instances to prove that it is the yearning of Ohaji people to always remain in Imo State, they maintained,”we say emphatic No to our inclusion in the new Orlu State but yes to Imo State where we rightfully belong and wish to remain due to proximity, religious, and boundary ties”.

Also present in the meeting from the LGA was – the President General of National Congress of Ohaji Women, Barr. Chioma Anyanwu, Member of Legislative Congress of Ohaji/Egbema, Henry Aguguo, a lecturer, Nze Dimkpa Enyia, Surveyor Eddy Ogbonna, former Chairman of ISOPADEC Board, Barr. Chibuisi Obido, a former Commissioner, Barr. Golden Nwosu, and Media Practitioners, Damian Opara.