The traditional ruler of Umuola Egbelu autonomous community in Aba North Local Government Area, Abia State, Eze Love Wogu, has dismissed claims suggesting that Governor Alex Otti is opposed to the creation of Aba State. According to him, such assumptions are completely unfounded.
Speaking with journalists in Aba, Eze Wogu—who also serves as Chairman of the Aba State Movement—explained that Governor Otti has consistently demonstrated support for the initiative whenever the movement requires his backing.
He noted that the governor’s actions speak far louder than speculation.
“When we resubmitted our memo to the National Assembly, the constitution required signatures from councillors, local government chairmen, and members of the House of Assembly,” he said. “We approached the Governor. If he wasn’t in support of Aba State, he would not have allowed these officials to sign. But they all signed—without exception. That alone shows that my Governor is fully in support of creating Aba State as the sixth state in the South East.”
Movement Spokesman Reaffirms Governor’s Support
Also speaking, the spokesman of the Aba State Movement and pioneer Attorney-General of Abia State reaffirmed that Governor Otti’s stance has been consistent and clear.
According to him, the governor has long held the view that Nigeria does not need more states in general, but he supports the creation of Aba State specifically to achieve fairness in the South East.
“The Governor has his ideas about state creation,” he explained. “He is not in support of creating more states across Nigeria, but he is in support of Aba State as the sixth state for the South East. This is about parity. How do you justify the South East having only five states while others have six or seven? No Abia or Igbo person would reject a sixth state for the region.”
He added that the movement has already fulfilled all constitutional requirements under Section 8 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Call for Unity Among State Creation Movements
The spokesman further urged other groups seeking state creation to support the Aba State project, noting that the South East—through Ohanaeze Ndigbo—has already agreed that Aba State should be the region’s priority.