Our People Are Marginalized- Awgu Forum Cries Out
Emperor Baywood Ibe[/caption]
***Says They Must Produce Next Governor –
The people of Awgu, Enugu State, under the aegis of Save Awgu Forum, on Wednesday alleged that they are being marginalized by the state government, adding that there have never been any minister, vice chancellor, senator, and governor from Awgu extraction.
The leader of the group, His Majesty Emperor Baywood Ibe, who stated this at his Isuawa residence yesterday while briefing newsmen, also stated that that although the Awgu people will support incumbent governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the community must however produce the next governor.
Ibe noted that the forum is not part of plans to adopt Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to contest the governorship position of Enugu state in 2019.
He said the forum is the only umbrella body of Awgu people, and warned that anybody or group operating outside the group does not represent Awgu people.
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Ibe said, “It has come to our notice that a certain group, called Greater Awgu Peoples’ Assembly, has endorsed Senator Ike Ekweremadu to run for the governorship of Enugu State in 2019. GAPA is not part of Save Awgu Forum neither does it represent the interest of Awgu. Its goal is to feather the nest of Ekweremadu.”
He said the objective of the forum was to move Awgu to the centre stage of Enugu politics, adding that Awgu people have been neglected in the polity of the state.
“Our agitation is that our people’s voices must be heard. We want an all-inclusive government in Enugu state where justice reigns.
“There have never been any minister, vice chancellor, senator, and governor from Awgu extraction. We had military governors but they never governed our state.
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“There is no federal or state government project in Awgu. Our people are marginalized. We are not carried along in making decisions that affect us. Our legislative representatives are doing hatchet jobs for their paymasters.”
He said Awgu people have resolved to support the administration of Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, but stated that after Gov Ugwuanyi’s administration, an Awgu person must be the governor.
“An Awgu person must become the governor of Enugu state. I don’t want to be a governor neither do I want any political position. I want equity. My people follow me because I have constructed about 9.7km road for them as well as built schools, health facilities and teach them moral values among others”.
