We are often proudly called “Ukwa la Ngwa.” But after 20 years, one painful question continues to trouble the conscience of many people in Ukwa:

When will it be our turn?

For the past two decades, our Ngwa brothers have dominated the Abia South senatorial seat, while the people of Ukwa have continued to wait patiently for their opportunity to produce a Senator.

We have remained loyal. We have remained supportive. We have stood with our brothers when it mattered. But today, we must ask ourselves honestly: where is the equity, justice and fairness that should bind us together?

Ukwa has become like the Igbo within Nigeria, constantly crying out against marginalisation from the Nigerian system, yet within our own family, we sometimes allow the same injustice to happen to others.

How can we demand fairness from Nigeria when we cannot practise fairness among ourselves?

We stood with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe when he had issues with his then boss, Governor Orji Uzor Kalu. We stood by him, whether he was right or wrong, because we believed in solidarity. We supported him and eventually helped him rise to the Senate.

But today, after 20 years, the same people who stood with him are asking a simple question:

Are we still Ukwa la Ngwa?

The man who once preached OTU-ONU should understand better than anyone that unity is not about one side permanently holding power. Unity means sharing opportunities, respecting every part of the family and giving everyone a sense of belonging.

Ukwa cannot continue to knock on the door of a house we helped build and be told to keep waiting.

Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness. Our loyalty should not become our punishment.

This is not about fighting our Ngwa brothers. It is about fairness among brothers and sisters who claim to be one family.

There comes a time when silence becomes injustice, that time is now.

It is time for all the well meaning people of Abia South to rise above sentiment, friendship and political convenience and ask the question that has been waiting for 20 years:

Is it not time for Ukwa?

Let us support a new generation of leadership, someone who will listen, understand our pains, respect our diversity and give every part of Abia South a sense of belonging.

Ukwa deserves its turn, not perpetual political domination.

Enough waiting. Enough silence. It is time to do the needful.

Support Dr. Kasarachi Enyinna, for equity and fairness