From Steph Clem, Umuahia
Political fortunes of the member of the House of Representatives from the Aba North and South federal constituency, Uzor Azubuike is going through a tough time as his constituents protest against his likely return to the National Assembly.
The protesting youths who came in their numbers stormed the government house in Umuahia to express their displeasure over their representative.
This is coming weeks after some traditional rulers from Aba endorsed Hon. Azubike to seek re-election in 2015.
The protesters said the decision was reached after the meeting of the Aba Peoples Movement in which they resolved that no non-indigene will represent them in the Federal House of Representatives, saying they have qualified and capable sons and daughters who should do so.
In the words of the spokesman of the group, Andrew Okechukwu, “For the purpose of promoting peace, equity, fair play, justice and tranquility in Abia State and Nigeria, we the Aba Peoples Movement after a brainstorming session in which critical issues bordering on the long-aged marginalization, humiliation and denial of the fundamental right to representative democracy… also resolved …that indigenes of Aba should be given a sympathetic and priority consideration in their agitation for self-representation and a sense of belonging in the political scene of Abia State.”
Mr. Okechukwu argued that since the return of democracy in 1999 “no indigene of Aba has represented them in the House of Representatives.
Hon. Uzor Azubuike who is originally from Isiala Ngwa North and South federal constituency, had been a member representing Aba central at the State House of Assembly for eight years before advancing to the House of Representatives to represent Aba North and South Federal constituency, a position he wants to renew through re-election.
Reacting to the development over the telephone, Hon. Azubuike said he has no reaction as protests are part of democracy.
“I have no reaction; it’s their right, we are in a democracy,” he said.
