CHUKWUEBUKA OHIZU
Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, the Member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives,is at the risk of been recalled following his recent involvement in the second tenure endorsement of Governor Alex Otti.
The Abangwa people, owners of the Aba North and Aba South Federal constituency, yesterday, warned that they will dutifully embark on the immediate recalling process of Ikwechegh if he fails to focus on his constitutional mandate of representing the people.
In the communique signed by 12 major stakeholders, which include Elder Rowland Ajuzuogu, Prince Adimchinaobi Nwaigwe, Prince Jamike Ikonne, Chief Israel Aguwa, Elder Chima Mbama, Comrade Ogechukwu Ogbonna, Chief Nnamdi Nwamkpa, High Chief Elijah Nwachi, Hon. Christian Emejiaka, Hon. Promise Nwagba, Mrs Ego Aroh and Hon. Chikamnele Eberendu, the people urged Ikwechegh to focus on why he was elected.
After a joint meeting of all the indigenous people and stakeholders of Abangwa, the people expressed deep concern regarding what they termed recent undemocratic action(s) of the member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency, Ikwechegh.
They said that it is highly disturbing that Ikwechegh, who was elected to represent the people of Aba even though he is not originally from Aba, will abandon his constitutional duties to lead a delegation to Bende Federal Constituency to endorse Governor Alex Otti for a second term.
“Our Aba North and South Federal Constituency Representative, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh. Our representative, Hon. Mascot, intentionally abandoned his constitutional duties of effective representation of our constituency and delved into selfish endorsement of a leader in another constituency. He led a delegation of Bende Federal Constituency to endorse the Governor of Abia State, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, for a second-term bid,” part of the communique reads.
The Abangwa people raised concerns of “lack of representation”, stressing that Ikwecheghe’s actions raise serious questions about his commitment to the needs of their constituency and priorities.
“The Indigenous People of Abangwa earnestly expect Hon. Ikwechegh to prioritise our constituency’s interest and maintain open communication, and not to stealthily indulge in hypocritical leadership endorsements in a constituency that has capable representation like a political Pharisee.
“True to his words, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh deceitfully stated that ‘we have decided that none of our sons or daughters will run for governorship come 2027. There is no vacancy in Government House from 2027 to 2031’.
“Now, the question that begs for an answer is how can the Aba North and South representatives speak for the Bende Federal Constituency on who to endorse/adopt? This is purely political harlotry and a clear look down on the people of Aba North and South Federal Constituency.
“In as much as we don’t hold a brief for the old Bende Bloc, we state emphatically that we are at peace and in a cordial relationship with our Old Bende brethren residing in our place – Aba Ngwa.”
The Abangwa, therefore, said that henceforth, they want all forms of representation of their people to honestly prioritise what makes life meaningful for the hospitable Abangwa people.
The Abangwa people further said that for clarity’s sake, “The premature endorsement of Governor Alex Otti by our representative on behalf of the Bende Bloc is not only undemocratic but an act of leadership sabotage to Aba North and South Federal Constituency, and we demand clarity and transparency regarding Hon. Ikwechegh’s decisions and motives.
“It is essential for our representative to address the constituency on this matter, to ensure alignment with the Abangwa Indigenous expectations and needs.”
The stakeholders further stated that they are in a cordial relationship with their brothers from the Old Bende Bloc and, as such, would not be coerced or be pushed into needless leadership chaos, but would also not accommodate any form of misrepresentation, marginalisation or leadership exclusion in their own land, as Abangwa is blessed with individuals who can represent them effectively at any level.
The Abangwa people, consequently, demand an intentional town hall meeting from Ikwechegh for leadership accountability, stressing that he has done little or nothing for the Indigenous people of Abangwa.
The communique further said, “We also warn him to desist from further undemocratic leadership gestures,” and they emphatically stated that if he fails to obey the above, they will dutifully embark on his recalling process.
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