OPEN LETTER TO RT. HON. CHINEDUM ORJI, H.E. MAYOR LUCKY IGBOKWE, AND POLITICAL STAKEHOLDERS OF UMUAHIA NORTH LGA
Distinguished Leaders and Stakeholders,
I extend my warmest greetings and commendations to each of you for your steadfast efforts in keeping the flag handed over to us our forebears flying high. You are the pillars, the torchbearers, and indeed the political backbone of Ndi Umuahia.
To be the custodians of a state capital is no ordinary feat—it is a divine privilege, a mark of destiny etched into the annals of history and reaffirmed providence. Ours is not just a capital geography, but grace, legacy, and heritage.
From the days of the First Republic, our land has carried the weight and honour of leadership. Umuahia has stood tall as the nerve center of governance, culture, and regional identity. This soil, once the heartbeat of the Eastern Region, housed the dreams of a people and offered direction to a generation. This is no small heritage—we must never treat it lightly.
We are blessed with men and women who have shaped the course of Nigerian political history:
Dr. M.I. Okpara, the visionary Premier of Eastern Nigeria, whose agricultural revolution transformed the region.
Gen. J.T.U. Aguiyi Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military Head of State, whose legacy remains a cornerstone in the nation’s political evolution.
Dr. Okey Enenamah, a renowned technocrat and public servant of impeccable character.
Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, globally celebrated economist and current Director-General of the World Trade Organization—her achievements have elevated the pride of Umuahia North on the international stage.
Senator T.A. Orji, a former Governor and Senator, who led Abia through a defining era.
Chief B.B. Apugo, a political institution whose influence remains significant in national discourse.
Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, a journalist, administrator, and statesman who contributed immensely to national development.
High Chief Ikechi Emenike, a strategic political player of formidable influence.
Chief Empire Kanu, a revered statesman and seasoned public servant.
Dr. (Mrs.) Uzoma Emenike, Nigeria’s current Ambassador to the United States.
Chief Uzodinma Okpara, who has upheld the legacy of his father with pride.
Dr. O.B. Aguocha, a respected Second Republic politician and commissioner.
Chief A.O. Chikwendu, a name that resonates with integrity and excellence.
Chief Sam Okwulehie a renowned politician and an excellent leader and administrator, Dr. Bob Ogbuagu a foremost journalist and exceptional leader.
Indeed, the list is endless, and space may not permit the full roll call of sons and daughters who have brought honour to Umuahia North. But their collective contributions form a golden tapestry of excellence, policy influence, and national relevance. They have carried the banner of Umuahia North far and wide—with pride and impact.
Yet, despite this rich legacy, our disunity has become our Achilles’ heel.
For far too long, internal divisions have provided fertile ground for outsiders to exploit our ranks for their own political gain. Time and again, we have been used against one another, only to be abandoned once the objectives of others are achieved. They celebrate our disunity, for it secures them political bases within our own homeland. The question remains: how much longer shall this continue?
It is time for us to rethink our political trajectory. We must forge a centralized and inclusive political structure—one where diverse interests are acknowledged, harmonized, and mobilized toward a united front. The current fragmentation only empowers outsiders and weakens our collective strength.
For this reason, I humbly call upon Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji (Ikuku) and H.E. Mayor Lucky Igbokwe (Don Lulu)—virtue of their towering profiles as the immediate past Speaker and the most recent gubernatorial aspirant respectively to lead the charge.
I appeal that you convene a broad, all-inclusive political meeting of stakeholders across Umuahia North LGA. Let us come together, talk to ourselves with sincerity, and chart a common path—a path that will restore our unity, reinforce our strength, and reclaim our dignity.
The time to act is now.
Signed,
Amb. Chief Barr. Charles Nzechi
Ahaejiagamba Ohuhu
About the Author
Its important to remind you that you may have authored a great essay,but your distribution of the hierarchy of leadership is completely inadequate and incorrect. Chief Sam okwulehie was not just a politician, He was the first mayor of Umuahia under the regional government of eastern Nigeria. Not after the likes of uzodima operations and co