By NewsCritic Reporters
Lack of unity of purpose and cohesion among the people as well as good representation have been identified as key factors being exploited by some forces to promote serial marginalization and suppression of the people of Ndoki/Asa ethnic nationalities in the scheme of things.
Similarly, these weaknesses have been the major plank upon which the obvious infrastructural deficiencies currently plaguing the Ukwa nation are premised. And until the people learn to speak with one voice, eschew personal interests their oppressors will not let go.
This is the view of Hon. Sylvanus Nwaji, who is seeking to represent the Ukwa West/East federal constituency at the Green Chamber of the National Assembly, on the platform of the Action Peoples Party, APP.
According to Hon Nwaji, who had served as three-time Chairman of Ukwa West local government council, the coalition of oppressive forces have over the past years capitalized and exploited the lack of unity among the people to visit them with untold and unmitigated misery, deprivation and monumental marginalization on Ukwa people.
He promised that his sojourn at the National Assembly, if given the mandate, will be clearly defined by the initiation and passing of relevant legislations that will not only accelerate developmental activities in Ukwa land, also bestow on the people a sense of belonging. The reason why he has offered himself for service.
He expressed regrets and sadness that there is nothing in Ukwa land presently in terms of infrastructure to suggest and or give an inkling that the area is one of the major oil-bearing communities in the country.
Hon. Nwaji said that having served the people creditably as Council Chairman for a reasonable period of time, and having also been with the people all these years, he understands their plight as well as those things that are dear to them, and promised to devote his time and energy at the National Assembly to promote them.
The APP flagbearer, who disclosed this in an interactive section with NewsCritic online at the weekend, equally identified lack of access to good and quality education among the people as part of the reason for denying them their due, promising to institute a regime of free basic education if elected.
“For the record, I am not saying that our past leaders have not tried, they have contributed their quota amidst several challenges. Now, what I am saying and agitating for as far as the fate of our people is concerned is a paradigm shift, because we need to change the narrative, applying more practical and results oriented system which the oppressive forces will find difficult to manipulate.
“This is my mission and this mission will tackle the issue of divide-and-rule tactics being currently used by those who want to continue the subjugation, oppression and marginalization of Ukwa people. Besides the external oppressors, we equally currently contend with pockets of internal exploiters who use to corner everything meant for the people. We are going to resist and ensure that whatever is coming to the people or constituency gets to them. That is my mission”, Hon Nwaji stressed.
