People celebrating the Aji-Ereke festival | Image: Nweze Anaga
Ogah: There won’t be meaning development without peace, unity and upholding of cultural heritage as a people
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
It is said that “after election no more campaign.”
The gathering of many National Assembly members at Erimogwududu,Amaga, Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State at the weekend was not political; there was no election in the state for now.
They gathered for one of the most popular cultural festival South-East of Nigeria – Aji-Ereke cultural festival.
In fact, it was colourful; and aptly described as a gathering of Who-is-Who in the state and the National Assembly.
They include; member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Comrade Chinedu Ogah; the Senator representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial zone, Senator Ken Eze; and many others from Enugu State, Imo State, and Taraba State.
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The State Assembly lawmakers, executive council members, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, among other political office holders were not left out. All came to grace the Aji-Ereke Cultural festival.
A member of the House of Representativesfrom the area, Comrade Ogah, could not hide his feelings over the large turnout of the people for the Aji-Ereke Cultural festival.
He called on politicians to always embrace peace, unity, and uphold their cultural heritage as it is their unique identity.
The lawmaker said at the festival, which held at Ndiofoke Erimogwududu Amagu in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State on Saturday, April 27, 2024, that there won’t be meaning development without peace, unity and upholding of cultural heritage as a people, stressing, “It is one of the major things that bind us together.”
He also commended Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru for his peaceful disposition and resolution of disputes that had lasted more than 15 years in the area, adding, “The essence of the festival is to broker unity, peace and harmony for the overall development of the constituency.”
Ogah further appreciated his people and other political stakeholders in the state for their massive support towards the success of Aji-Ereke Cultural festival.
His words: “We are celebrating this carnival because we have a performing governor, who has brought peace for us.
“For about 15 years, there had been conflict in different communities and with our neighbouring village in Cross River State.
“However, since our dear governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, emerged as the governor of Ebonyi State, we have not experienced conflict or misunderstanding with any community again.
“He has done us well by accommodating our sons through their appointments, including four commissioners and others.”
Ogah also pointed out that apart from Izzi that it was only in Amagu that the governor had the highest vote in the last general election.
He however applauded the developmental strides of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru across the state, saying that Ebonyians are proud of him.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru lauded the equitable represention of Comrade Ogah in the area, adding that the level of democratic dividends of Ogah wss second to none.
He pledged to support and bring more infrastructural development to the area.
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