The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, FNSE, has urged the people of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom to maintain unity and brotherhood irrespective of their political affiliations as the 2027 general elections approach.

Emetu made the call on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while representing Governor Alex Chioma Otti at the 2026 Eke Mbu, Iri Ndi Ndi Abiriba New Yam Festival held at Amaukwu, Amaeke, Abiriba.

The Deputy Governor conveyed the governor’s greetings and congratulations to the people of Abiriba, describing the annual festival as an important celebration of the kingdom’s cultural heritage, communal bonds, hard work and gratitude to God.

He said the New Yam Festival provided an opportunity for sons and daughters of Abiriba, both at home and abroad, to return to their roots, reconnect with their heritage and strengthen relationships within the community.

Emetu praised Abiriba for its rich history, culture, enterprise and contributions to business, public service, education and community development.

He said the celebration was not only about the new yam but also about reflecting on God’s faithfulness, celebrating the fruits of hard work and renewing the community’s commitment to its continued development.

On the political developments ahead of 2027, Emetu acknowledged the support Abiriba had given to the Labour Party and Governor Otti’s administration, noting that such support also created expectations for tangible and responsive development.

He encouraged the people to carefully consider the records, programmes and promises of political candidates and to participate actively and peacefully in the democratic process.

The Deputy Governor also acknowledged Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, following his emergence as the Labour Party candidate for the Abia North Senatorial District. He noted that the development had generated discussions within the political space of Abia North and urged the people to consider the candidates and issues ahead of the election.

Emetu, however, stressed that political differences should not be allowed to weaken the bonds holding Abiriba together.

“No matter our political differences, Abiriba should always stand as one family, Abia must remain a united State, and our shared goal should be the development of our people,” he stated.

He commended the Enachịoken-in-Council, traditional rulers, community leaders, women, youths and the festival’s Planning Committee for sustaining the New Yam Festival and preserving Abiriba’s cultural heritage.

Emetu also highlighted the role of traditional institutions in protecting the history, values and identity of the community, while encouraging the people to preserve their cultural roots and embrace developments that improve their wellbeing.

In his remarks, the Enachioken of Abiriba, HRM Eze Kalu Ogbu, offered royal blessings to Governor Otti, Deputy Governor Emetu and other government leaders, praying for wisdom, peace and success in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, HRH Eze Ukiwo Otisi, thanked the Enachịoken-in-Council for entrusting him with the coordination of the festival.

Eze Otisi described the New Yam Festival as a celebration of hard work, productivity, perseverance, communal living and shared prosperity. He said the 2026 edition was particularly significant because it coincided with preparations for the 2027 electoral season.

He explained that some activities were designed to promote sportsmanship, friendship, unity and peaceful coexistence among members of the community. He also urged Abiriba people to focus more on what they could contribute to the development of the community rather than only what they expected to gain from it.

Also speaking, Chief Dr. David Ogba Onuoha Bourdex, MFR, OON, Ugo'Ena Nde Abiriba, congratulated the Enachịoken-in-Council, the communities of Ameke, Agboji and Amogudu, as well as the traditional institutions, elders, women, youths and other members of the community on the festival.

Bourdex described the New Yam Festival as an expression of the identity, courage, enterprise and communal strength of the Abiriba people.

He thanked the community for supporting his ambition to represent Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate, saying his aspiration was driven by a commitment to serve communities across the district. He also called for continued support for Governor Otti’s development agenda.

The event was attended by the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; Mayor of Ohafia Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Eleanya Ojuu Kalu; Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi; President General of the Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU) Worldwide, Chief Uche Otah Uwa; traditional rulers, community leaders and other sons and daughters of the Abiriba Ancient Kingdom.