On Tuesday, 18th july, 2005, the Government house, Umuahia the seat of power of Abia State government witnessed the presence of some angry but happy youths of Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government area of Abia State who came protesting with banners and demanding for true representation of their son at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). Lodging their complains to the state government, the leader of the team said that they had come to intimate the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) of their wish and let him know that they will not accept antother person than an Owaza son at the NDDC, he continued that they came to Umuahia to meet with the governor sin he failed to honour their invitation, as it is said, ‘When mountain refuse to visit Mohammed, then Mohammed will go to the Mountain’. The president and secretary of the Owaza youths spoke of the need to grant them the request.

Chief Victor Ike Oye, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor- General Duties was present to represent the Governor who was unavoidably absent, he told the crowd that the Governor would have love to meet with them and address them but that they are with the right man since he is a confirmed Chief in Owaza community and knew the problems of the people to the heart.

He said that Governor Kalu represent a new face of a new Nigeria and Africa. He mentioned the fact that Owaza is the hope of the development of Abia State since they are the “Oil People” of Abia State and that he sees a new hope with the youths he is addressing. He mentioned the many reform programmes the government are putting in place and what they are doing to ensure that an Owaza son is represented at the NDDC. Speaking further, Chief Oye elaborated on the fact the Igbo’s are marginalized not only in their home but also in such places as State creation, Representations at Federal Government and in the Resource control. He insisted and is of the view that Nigeria states should be allowed to practice resource control policy since it was practiced during the agricultural days before the oil boom!

Chief Vicor Ike Oye, believed that the people’s due be given to the people also said that Justice will prevail and that their mission is of peace and good course. He said the Governor, Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is not sleeping, he is fighting to make things better for every Abia people and let ever people be represented and that is why his counter parts in Abuja are not in concord with him”

Finally he assured them of the governments determination to ensured that an Owaza son is in NDDC and that they message and complaints will be communicated to the Governor in due time and thanked them for the peaceful way their carry out their things.

Henry Ekwuruke reporting from Government House Umuahia Abia State Nigeria