Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has urged youths from 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 appreciate the administration of Governor Alex Otti and express their support for the government.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Governor Otti, the deputy governor said the decision by youths from the three clans to come together was an example of the unity he had long 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 urged the various youth presidents and community leaders to maintain a common position and work together in the interest of the people, stressing that cooperation would promote the collective development of Ohafia.

The deputy governor also commended the youths for their peaceful engagement and civic participation, assuring them that Governor Otti would receive their messages, expressions of support and the documents presented during the visit.

Emetu encouraged the people of Ohafia to continue presenting the area as peaceful, industrious and development-oriented, while rejecting negative portrayals of the community.

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

He also called on those present to support Labour Party candidates contesting the Ohafia North and South State Constituencies, Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency and 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 in 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 elections approach.

Earlier, representatives of the delegation said their visit was primarily to appreciate Governor Otti and Deputy Governor Emetu for what they described as developments recorded across the state, particularly in infrastructure and human capital development.

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

Speaking on behalf of the group, the youth leaders stressed the importance of unity and collective action in advancing the interests of Ohafia.

They also rejected descriptions of Ohafia as an “IPOB enclave”, describing the people instead as peaceful, industrious, courageous and committed to good governance and democratic participation.

The delegation declared its support for the Otti administration and the Labour Party, with members chanting slogans including “100 over 100” in support of the governor and the party.

The delegation included youth leaders from the three clans, including Mr. Ogba Kalu Ogba of Abiriba, Elder Agwu Iwela Otuwe of Nkporo and Mr. Ume Kalu Nwachinemere of Ohafia.

The youth leaders subsequently presented a formal letter documenting their position and requested that it be delivered to Governor Otti.

The visit concluded 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 his office also witnessed the event.