Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has urged youths across Ohafia Local Government Area to sustain the unity demonstrated by the three major clans of Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia.

Emetu made the call when he received a solidarity delegation of youths from the three clans who visited his office to express appreciation for and support for the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of the governor, the Deputy Governor said the coming together of the youths under one platform represented the kind of unity he had always desired for Ohafia.

“This should not just be a dress rehearsal. This should continue forever and ever. That's where the development of the local government will come from,” Emetu said.

He appealed to youth presidents and other leaders across the clans to maintain a common position and work collectively in the interest of the people, stressing that cooperation would contribute to the development of Ohafia.

Emetu also commended the youths for their peaceful engagement and participation in civic activities. He assured them that he would convey their messages, expressions of support and the documents presented during the visit to Governor Otti.

The Deputy Governor urged the people of Ohafia to continue projecting the area as a peaceful and industrious community committed to development, while rejecting descriptions that portray its people negatively.

Ahead of the 2027 elections, Emetu encouraged eligible voters in the five local government areas of Abia North—Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia and Umunneochi—to participate peacefully in the electoral process and ensure their votes are properly recorded through the collation process.

He also called on the gathering to support Labour Party candidates for the Ohafia North and South State Constituencies, the Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and the Abia North Senatorial District.

Emetu specifically solicited support for the Labour Party's Abia North senatorial candidate, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, citing his contributions to development efforts within Ohafia Local Government Area.

“The reward of a good work is more work. And that's why we are sending Chief Bourdex to the Senate,” he said.

The Deputy Governor further encouraged the youths to maintain peaceful democratic participation and responsible civic engagement as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

Earlier, representatives of the youth delegation said the purpose of their visit was to appreciate Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu for what they described as visible development across Abia State, particularly in infrastructure and human capital development.

The delegation, representing Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, arrived in distinctive uniforms and displayed placards and banners expressing support for the Otti administration.

The youth representatives emphasised the importance of unity and collective action in advancing the interests of Ohafia. They also rejected descriptions of the area as an “IPOB enclave”, describing the people instead as peaceful, industrious and committed to democratic participation and good governance.

The group declared support for the Otti-led administration and its development agenda, with members expressing solidarity through chants, including a declaration of “100 over 100” support for the governor and the Labour Party.

The delegation was represented by youth leaders from Abiriba, Nkporo and Ohafia, including Mr. Ogba Kalu Ogba, Elder Agwu Iwela Otuwe and Mr. Ume Kalu Nwachinemere, respectively.

The representatives subsequently presented a formal letter outlining their position and requested that it be delivered to Governor Otti.

The visit ended with cultural performances, solidarity chants and the presentation of symbolic uniforms to Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu.

Aides to the Deputy Governor and heads of departments in the Office of the Deputy Governor were also present at the meeting.