An influential cleric from Ohafia, Bishop Silas Eke, has issued a stern warning to political actors in the area, accusing them of pushing a divisive agenda under the guise of zoning the Abia North Senatorial seat to Ohafia.
In a personally signed statement, Bishop Eke condemned the activities of certain self-styled political stakeholders agitating for the Senate seat to be ceded to Ohafia Local Government Area, describing it as a veiled plot to unseat two prominent Ohafia sons currently holding significant political offices.
“This is a calculated attempt to kick their brothers out of office. It is what their sponsors are trying to achieve without them understanding the politics behind what they are doing. Their target is His Excellency, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, and Hon. Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa. These people are bitter that Ohafia, whom they had marginalised for too long, is holding these two positions,” he stated.
The cleric warned that the push for a Senate slot in Ohafia is, in effect, a backdoor demand for the relinquishment of the House of Representatives seat and the Deputy Governorship position—both currently occupied by proud sons of the community.
“Therefore, those pushing for the Senate seat to be in Ohafia are as good as saying the clan should surrender the House of Representatives seat occupied by Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa and the Deputy Governorship seat held by Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu — both of whom are proud sons of Ohafia,” he added.
Bishop Eke further alleged that the motives behind the agitation were purely selfish and not in the best interest of the Ohafia people.
“Let us be honest; they are not doing this for the good of the people. They are doing it out of selfishness to oust the Rep member and the Deputy Governor,” he warned.
Calling for unity and strategic thinking, the cleric urged all stakeholders to prioritise the collective good over personal ambition.
“We must not allow personal political aspirations to ruin the unity and influence we secured in 2023. What we have achieved should be preserved and consolidated for the benefit of our people,” he concluded.
