Momentum for the creation of Aba State continues to grow, with the Ukwa-Ngwa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) throwing its full weight behind the initiative.
This backing was made public during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held in Obohia Ndoki, Ukwa East Local Government Area. The gathering, convened by Comrade Benedict Godson, former Publicity Secretary of the APC in Abia State, drew prominent party leaders from all nine local government areas within the Ukwa-Ngwa bloc.
During the meeting, the leaders unanimously endorsed the creation of Aba State and took a swipe at Governor Alex Otti for his opposition to the proposal.
Speaking at the event, Chief Ebere Nwachukwu, coordinator of the Ukwa-Ngwa APC Forum, said the governor’s resistance was not surprising, claiming that such opposition has historically come from the Old Bende axis of Abia. He also defended Prince Paul Ikonne, who had earlier confronted Governor Otti over his remarks on the matter.
Also voicing support, Chief Sylvanus Nwaji, former chairman of Ukwa West LGA, emphasized the viability of the proposed state. He cited the oil and gas deposits in Ukwa land as well as Aba’s vibrant commercial sector as strong economic foundations for statehood.
Elder Godwin Nna, a former chairman of Obingwa LGA, highlighted the historical basis of the demand, noting that Ukwa leaders initiated the call for Aba State before the Ngwa community joined the campaign. He even floated the idea of renaming the remainder of Abia as “Bende State” if Aba State becomes a reality.
Adding a federal dimension to the conversation, Chief Eruba Dimgba, Abia’s representative at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Secretary of the Forum, commended President Bola Tinubu for approving $3 billion for the construction of the Eastern Railway Line — a move he described as a game-changer for the region.
The meeting was attended by several prominent APC figures, including Chief Donatus Nwankpa, Chief Marc Wabara, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Chief Sam Nkire, Hon. Uzor Azubuike, Dr. Nyere Anyim, and Mr. Obinna Oriaku. All participants expressed their firm support for the creation of Aba State.
Comrade Godson applauded Chief Nwankpa for his efforts in unifying APC stakeholders across the Aba zone, stating that with a united front, “no one can afford to take Ukwa-Ngwa for granted in the politics of Abia State.”
