Hon. Obi Aguocha Fingered In Ethnic Profiling Of Non-Indigenes In Abia State – Coalition Group Petitions Govt, Police Over Alleged Harassment

Hon. Obi Aguocha Fingered In Ethnic Profiling Of Non-Indigenes In Abia State – Coalition Group Petitions Govt, Police Over Alleged Harassment

A coalition of non-indigenes residing in Umuahia, Abia State, has raised concerns over alleged harassment and ethnic profiling by Promise Nwokocha, a media aide to the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obinna Aguocha.

The coalition, comprising leaders of different non-indigene communities in the state, made the allegations during a press briefing in Umuahia on Monday, calling on the Abia State Government and security agencies to intervene.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the Youth President of Ebonyi indigenes in Abia State, Comrade Emmanuel Udume, alleged that Nwokocha had made social media posts targeting individuals associated with the former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji.

One of those allegedly targeted was identified as Ikechukwu Kelvin Okorie.

Udume linked the development to the emerging political contest for the Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, where both Hon. Aguocha and Rt. Hon. Orji are reportedly interested in the position.

The coalition described the alleged development as disturbing, warning that ethnic profiling and intimidation could threaten the peaceful coexistence among residents of the state.

Also speaking, Mr. Silas G. Sanda, who identified himself as a community leader, said Kelvin Ikechukwu was born, educated and raised in Abia State and should not be subjected to discrimination because of his state of origin.

“Kelvin Ikechukwu is a son of Ebonyi State, but he was born here in Abia, schooled here and grew up here. By the ambit of the law, he is also an indigene. He has a right to do whatever he is doing as far as it is within the law. We say no to this harassment,” he said.

Sanda alleged that the posts had been circulated on social media and disclosed that the coalition intended to report the matter to security agencies.

“We must report it to security agencies. Life is very important. We have families, we have businesses here. Government and security agencies should call him to order,” he added.

Similarly, Prince Olaitan Adekoya, a Yoruba community leader who said he was born and raised in Abia, maintained that non-indigenes had contributed significantly to the development of the state and should be allowed to live without intimidation.

“We have been together for many years in Abia. So far they are harassing non-indigenes, they are harassing everybody. One Nigeria means we should live in peace. It is not good for somebody to go online profiling non-indigenes,” he said.

On his part, Mr. Igwilo Patrick Chimobi, who identified himself as the Youth President of Imo State indigenes resident in Abia and a former Secretary of Ohuhu clan, said residents should be free to demand accountability from their elected representatives without being subjected to ethnic profiling.

“We are constituents. Asking for accountability of how you have represented us is not bad. We want peace to continue. Governor Alex Otti has been doing well to redefine Abia, we want that peace sustained,” he stated.

A screenshot of a social media post attributed to Promise Nwokocha and presented by the coalition showed where he allegedly questioned Kelvin Ikechukwu’s right to criticise Hon. Aguocha on account of his state of origin and reportedly asked him to return to his state.

As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Aguocha and his aide, Promise Nwokocha, had not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to obtain their reactions were ongoing.

The coalition called on the Abia State Government, the Abia State Police Command and other relevant security agencies to investigate the allegations and take necessary steps to protect residents and sustain peaceful coexistence irrespective of their states of origin.