COMMENTARY
Ohafia Youths Condemn Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu Over IPOB Label, Declare Him “Persona Non Grata”
The Ohafia Youth Association has issued a strong protest against Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over what it described as a damaging and unjust remark allegedly branding Ohafia as an IPOB zone, warning that the statement has brought serious harm to the community’s image and interests.
In a proclamation released on behalf of Ohafia youths, the association expressed deep outrage over the characterization, describing it as calumnious, irresponsible, and injurious to the reputation of the Ohafia people. The group said the comment has exposed the community to negative scrutiny at the national level and unfairly portrayed the area as a security risk.
According to the association, the alleged remark has had far-reaching consequences, including discouraging potential investors from engaging with Ohafia communities and contributing to widespread voter disenfranchisement during the 2023 general elections. The youths claimed that more than 100,000 residents of Ohafia were prevented from exercising their constitutional right to vote, a development they linked directly to the stigmatization of the area.
The Ohafia Youth Association accused the former Abia State governor of making the statement to advance personal political interests, insisting that it did not reflect the realities on the ground nor serve the collective interest of Abia North or Nigeria at large. The group emphasized that Ohafia is historically known for peace, hospitality, and communal harmony, values it said stand in sharp contrast to the image painted by the alleged remark.
As part of its resolution, the association declared Senator Orji Uzor Kalu persona non grata in Ohafia, warning that his presence in the area would no longer be tolerated. The youths said they are determined to take all lawful measures necessary to defend the honor, dignity, and interests of their people.
The association further stated that it would not be deterred in its resolve to resist any form of defamation or misrepresentation against Ohafia, while continuing to safeguard the community’s reputation and peaceful coexistence.
The proclamation was jointly signed by Obasi Kalu Obasi, Chairman, and Onyekachi U. Uduma, Secretary, of the Ohafia Youth A
ssociation.