Youths from Ikwuano LGA in Abia State on Wednesday penned a contemplative public letter to the State Governor Alex Otti lamenting  his  perceived 'Marginalization of Ikwuano LGA', in his distribution of political appointments which have denied even crumbs to the LG which lent him massive support in his election.


"....However, recent developments have left us disenchanted and disheartened. After series of appointments made by your administration, apart  from the statutory commissioner portfolio, Ikwuano LGA has been severely neglected. This conspicuous omission has left our people  feeling isolated and marginalized, despite our unwavering support for your administration. This trend also raises concerns about our voice being heard and our interests being considered in your administration", the youths under the aegis of Concerned Ikwuano Indigenes stated in the letter titled:  "Marginalization of Ikwuano LGA: Open Letter to Governor Alex Otti OFR"


The youths who were diplomatic and subtle in venting their disenchantment lamented that it appears their  high hopes in Gov Otti's  abilities, which earned him  massive goodwill in Ikwuano may have been misplaced after all.


"... we do not want to believe that you harbour an unfavorable disposition towards our people" the youths stated.


They further argued that Ikwuano LGA  possesses highly skilled and qualified individuals with exceptional character who are more than capable of contributing to the progress and development of the new Abia State, and urged Gov Otti to look towards the LGA for the best hands and brain


Amongst signatories to the letter include the Senior Policy Analyst and social justice activist, Nnaemeka Oruh and the youths leader and former Deputy Chairman of Ikwuano LG Council, Cookey Lordson Nwachukwu and the entrepreneur, Henry Ugwunna


Others include Nnamdi Aruocha, Chukwuemeka Nwabeke, Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Charles Obi Adiezeh and Rita Nnanna, all cutting across different political persuasions and representing Ikwuano's four distinct clans 


The youths who  reiterated our steadfast support for the Otti administration, however urged him to "... take our concerns into serious consideration, review your recent appointments, and consider appointing qualified Ikwuano indigenes into your cabinet. 


"By so doing, you would not only demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and fairness—which we believe will also reflect in the allocation of resources and infrastructural development—but also rekindle the trust that the good people of Ikwuano have placed in you"


The full letter reads as follows:

Marginalization of Ikwuano LGA: Open Letter to Governor Alex Otti OFR 

September 27, 2023


Your Excellency,


It is with great respect for your office that we, Concerned Ikwuano Indigenes, write you with deep concern and heavy hearts regarding the marginalization of Ikwuano Local Government Area in the appointments made by your administration from inception till date. 


2. Ikwuano LGA— known as the food basket of Abia State— has always believed in the potential of  God’s Own State under good governance characterized by equity, inclusiveness, and the rule of law, and has made several contributions and sacrifices to the growth and progress of the state. Also, the good people of Ikwuano L.G.A have always believed that you are a representation of these qualities of good governance, which they proved by showing you immense support throughout your journey to govern our beloved state. This we did, having in mind the myriads of challenges facing Ikwuano and Abia State in general. 


3. You told us to "weep no more”, and that "help is on the way”, and we have always taken pride in our role in midwifing this administration. So, we believe that you must have our interest at heart. 


4. However, recent developments have left us disenchanted and disheartened. After series of appointments made by your administration, apart  from the statutory commissioner portfolio, Ikwuano LGA has been severely neglected. This conspicuous omission has left our people  feeling isolated and marginalized, despite our unwavering support for your administration. This trend also raises concerns about our voice being heard and our interests being considered in your administration. 


5. Your Excellency, given the high hopes of the good people of Ikwuano in your abilities, and yourself having enjoyed massive goodwill in Ikwuano, we do not want to believe that you harbour an unfavorable disposition towards our people. 


6. We understand the complexities of governance and the importance of making appointments based on merit and competence.Nevertheless, we are confident that our Local Government Area possesses highly skilled and qualified individuals with exceptional character who are more than capable of contributing to the progress and development of the new Abia State, in line with your vision of placing the state in the proper growth trajectory, and restoring her glory days as God’s Own State. 


7. We kindly request that you take our concerns into serious consideration, review your recent appointments, and consider appointing qualified Ikwuano indigenes into your cabinet. By so doing, you would not only demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and fairness—which we believe will also reflect in the allocation of resources and infrastructural development—but also rekindle the trust that the good people of Ikwuano have placed in you. 


8. We believe that inclusivity and diversity in your administration will not only be fair but also strengthen the unity of our dear state and engender multiplicity of ideas that drive sustained growth and progress.


9. We hope that this letter serves as a constructive reminder of the faith we have in your leadership.  


10. We would also like to seize this opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate the developmental strides that your administration has achieved since you came on board, while earnestly hoping that this wind of positive change will blow our way in Ikwuano. In this regard, we implore you to directly engage the good people of Ikwuano so that you can get a firsthand understanding of our challenges and aspirations. 


11. While reiterating our steadfast support for you, we anticipate a positive response and envision a more promising future for Ikwuano LGA and Abia State in general.


12. Thank you, Your Excellency. 



Signed, for Concerned Ikwuano Indigenes: 

Nnaemeka Oruh

Nnamdi Aruocha

Chukwuemeka Nwabeke

Cokey Lordson Nwachukwu

Henry Ugwunna

Ugochukwu Uzuegbu

Charles Obi Adiezeh

Rita Nnanna