Stakeholders From Ohaji Clan Laments Over Marginalization By Egbema Clan

Dan Opara

Some aggrieved political juggernauts ably known as “Decision Makers” in Ohaji clan of Ohaji/ Egbema LGA of Imo State, have collectively frowned at the ugly heights of leadership and political marginalization by the people of Egbema in the same Local Government.

Addressing Newsmen in Ohaji area of the Council, on Saturday, Jan.1st 2022, the leaders of the descended group from a common ancestor, narrated to the media how they have been marginalized in politics, governance and development by their own progenitors from Egbema clan.

The Ohaji critical stakeholders while speaking as opinion moulders and political analysts, revealed that the heights of marginalization against them by their brothers from Egbema started since after 1999 when Hon.Dr.Goddy Essom Obodo, PhD, from Ohaji clan was elected into power as a  lawmaker for Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) where he served for four (4) years (a tenure) only.

The “Ohaji Decision Makers”, more so, recalled that in 2003, Hon.Goodluck Nana Opiah, from Egbema clan was elected into the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA), there he served for eight (8) years (two terms) as a lawmaker for Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, even it was on archive that Opiah aspired for the third term but failed. It was an obvious thug of war stopping Hon.Nana for his third term bid which was truncated by the emergence of Hon.Luke Chukwu, from Ohaji clan.

In 2015, Hon.Goodluck Nana Opiah, from Egbema clan went to the National Assembly as the Federal House Representatives Member for Ohaji/ Egbema/Oguta and Oru-West.

Then, Hon.Emma Orie, from Ohaji clan was elected into the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) where he represented Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency for four (4) years.

The straws that broke the camel’s back was in 2019 when Hon.Kinsley Chima Uju, from Egbema clan, took over from one of kinsmen (Hon.Opiah) as the Federal House of Representatives Member representing Ohaji/Egbema/ Oguta and Oru-West.

Whereas, Hon.Heclus Okoro, from Egbema, also took over from Hon.Emma Orie, in 2019.

Deceptively, as it stands at the moment, all the whole juicy (elective) positions are in control of the people of Egbema clan, except the office of the Managing Director, ISOPADEC, under the headship of Chief Charles Orie, from Ohaji, which is on appointment ground.

In addition, Hon.Goodluck Opiah, from Egbema, is now holding the office as the Imo Commissioner for Petroleum.

Also, note that Opiah’s political son, Hon.Marcel Amadioha, from Egbema, is the Interim Management Committee,IMC, of Ohaji/Egbema LGA.

This is a clear display of intentionally marginalization against the people of Ohaji, at the time the people of Ohaji clan are expecting equitable display of leadership.

It is on this note, we are calling for responsible and lovable coexistence of both clans that made up of Ohaji/ Egbema LGA.

Meanwhile, Egbema clan does not make up to 1/3 population of Ohaji/Egbema, while Ohaji clan alone has more than 2/3 (62%) of the total population of Ohaji Egbema.

We are hereby calling for political harmonization and understanding in the government of Shared Prosperity ably led by Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Otherwise, there would be a mass exodus of a very good people of Ohaji from APC into any other political party in the quest for equity, justice and fairness to be recognized.