PRESS STATEMENT

Ngwa Rangers Applaud Response of Federal Lawmakers to the Call for Aba State Creation

July 19th, 2024.

We, the members of Ngwa Rangers, commend the federal lawmakers from Ukwa and Ngwa extraction for their response to our recent press statement titled “Wake-Up Call to National Assembly Members of Ngwa Extraction.” Your swift and decisive actions have reignited hope and strengthened our resolve in the long-standing quest for the creation of Aba State.

We applaud your renewed commitment to sponsor a bill for the creation of Aba State and to engage in constructive dialogue with fellow lawmakers to garner support in the National Assembly. These actions reflect your dedication to fulfilling the mandate entrusted to you by your constituents and ensuring that our collective aspirations are realized.

However, we urge you not to stop at merely raising the bill. The journey towards the actualization of Aba State requires sustained effort, strategic lobbying, and unwavering commitment. We implore you to take every necessary step to ensure the successful passage and implementation of the bill. This includes:

1.) Building Alliances: Foster strong alliances with other lawmakers and stakeholders to build broad-based support for the Aba State creation bill knowing full well that to create states, National assembly and houses of assembly of at least 24 states have to vote in support.

2.) Public Engagement: Engage with our communities through public hearings, town hall meetings, and other forums to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and their concerns addressed.

3.) Strategic Advocacy: Utilize all available platforms to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of Aba State, highlighting its potential to bring development, equity, and progress not just to us but to our region, South East.

4.) Persistent Follow-Up: Maintain persistent follow-up with relevant committees and authorities to ensure that the bill progresses through all legislative stages without unnecessary delays.

5.) Transparency and Accountability: Keep our community informed of all developments and challenges encountered in the process, fostering a spirit of transparency and accountability.

The creation of Aba State is not merely a matter of administrative convenience; it is a fundamental step towards ensuring that people of the same descent and value system can govern themselves effectively, fostering unity, understanding, and shared progress. A state created from a homogeneous population stands a greater chance of achieving rapid development and cohesion, as the citizens are bound by a common heritage, culture, and aspirations.

The need for a sixth state in the South-East of Nigeria is a matter of equity and inclusion. The South-East remains the only geopolitical zone in the country with just five states, a situation that has continually placed our region at a disadvantage in terms of federal representation, resource allocation, and developmental projects. The creation of Aba State will correct this imbalance, ensuring that the South-East receives its fair share of national resources and opportunities, thereby promoting national unity and cohesion.

Aba State would be a state for all Nigerians and West Africans who live in Aba or come to Aba for business. With Aba State, Aba town would join the ranks of major cities in Nigeria that are state capitals named after them, such as in Kano State – Kano, Kaduna State – Kaduna, Katsina State – Katsina, Sokoto State – Sokoto etc,.

We believe that with your continued dedication and strategic action, the dream of Aba State will soon become a reality. Your response to our call has set a new benchmark for effective representation, and we trust that you will continue to champion this cause with the same vigor and commitment.

We also take this opportunity to recognize your efforts in advocating for the release of our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who remains unjustly detained despite a court order that discharged him from custody. Your advocacy for justice and the rule of law is commendable.

The Ngwa Rangers and the entire Ukwa la Ngwa community commend you and request for more people-oriented bills.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and service to our cause.

Signed;
Kingsley Ihesiaba.
Publicity secretary
Ngwa Rangers