The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly has rejected a statement allegedly attributed to former Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Government, Chief Emmanuel Igwe, concerning the political position of the Unwueru Kindred in Izzi Clan ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The youth body described the statement as an attempt to drag the people of Izzi into what it called “kindred politics,” stressing that the people of the area had moved beyond politics based on kindred affiliations.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, the National President of the group, Mr. Odii Njoku, said the organisation would ordinarily have ignored the statement but decided to respond to prevent what it described as misinformation from creating unnecessary tension among the people.
Igwe was reportedly quoted as saying that the Unwueru Kindred had “drawn the line” to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
However, Njoku dismissed the claim, saying members of the Unwueru Kindred were satisfied with the administration of Governor Francis Nwifuru and remained committed to supporting his re-election bid.
He also questioned Igwe’s authority to speak on behalf of the Izzi people, alleging that he was not from Izzi and should instead concentrate on political activities in his Ezzagu community.
The youth assembly further accused Igwe of attempting to create political tension in Izzi, which it described as a peaceful and hospitable community.
The group also raised allegations concerning Igwe’s previous roles as a Special Assistant to the state government, claiming that some of his activities during his tenure generated controversy.
It alleged that his tenure as Special Assistant on Park Development was associated with divisions in some areas, while also making allegations concerning his activities as Special Assistant on Land Development.
The youth body, however, did not stop at the criticism, challenging Igwe to return to Ebonyi State and campaign openly for his preferred candidate rather than making political statements from Abuja.
“Let him come to Ebonyi State and campaign for his candidate. Let him tell the people what his candidate will do for them instead of making statements from Abuja,” the group said.
The Ebonyi South Youth Assembly urged the people of Izzi to disregard what it described as political propaganda and continue to support Governor Nwifuru, whom it credited with developmental strides in infrastructure and human capital development across the state.
Njoku also commended Governor Nwifuru and Senator Onyekachi Nwebonyi for what he described as their contributions to the development and representation of the people.
He said the governor had demonstrated commitment to addressing some of the challenges confronting the Izzi people, while Nwebonyi had shown capacity and provided what the group described as effective representation.
The youth assembly urged political actors to conduct their activities responsibly, stressing that political differences should not be allowed to undermine the peace, unity and harmonious relationship among the people of Izzi ahead of the 2027 elections.
