- Some non-indigenes of Ebonyi state have protested the renaming of Abakaliki street in Awka
- The non-indigenes urged the Anambra state government to reinstate the changed name
- They said the renaming of the street has generated tension between the people of Anambra and Ebonyi states
A group of some non-indigenes of Ebonyi state have appealed to the Anambra state government to re-instate the Abakaliki street to the original location in Awka.
The group during a protest in called on the Anambra government to reinstate the changed name.
The group protesting include the Association of Urban Town Unions, Association of Anambra Town Unions, Urban Forum and Landlords Association, Abakaliki.
Vanguard reports that the groups in a communique signed by its chairmen said that a little misunderstanding resulting from renaming of Abakaliki street in Awka, generated such tension.
The communique read in part: “This development if not properly handled, will undermine the peace and mutual co-existence between the two sister-states which would be detrimental to the Igbo cause."
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"We thank Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi for the wisdom he employed in handling the situation as he sent a fact-finding mission to Awka to ascertain the truth behind the development," the communique said.
This is a very sensitive matter and we pray that God in his infinite mercy would permanently resolve the brewing issue.
Anambra and Ebonyi have a history of mutual and cordial relationship without any form of discrimination, spanning from the eastern region era, east central state to the present Anambra and Ebonyi.
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Anambra indigenes have played a significant role in the development of Ebonyi as they own big businesses and properties, and likewise, Ebonyi indigenes residing in Anambra.
Ebonyi has remained hospitable to non-indigenes and we know that the same situation is applicable in Anambra and other states of the South-East Zone,” the group said.
Umahi has shown great interest in the welfare of non-indigene associations as he is the grand patron of the association of urban town unions" it said.
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Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the Ebonyi state House of assembly has given Anambra state government seven days ultimatum to restore the renamed street in Awka.
The lawmakers said their order is to take place with immediate effect as failure to do so would mandate Ebonyi state government to rename all structures named after Anambra men and women or towns related to Anambrarians.
This resolution of the House was made on Wednesday, June 26, plenary, where they also resolved that Anambra state government must tender an apology to the people of Ebonyi state.
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Source: Naija.ng