The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Candidate in Ebonyi, Chief Francis Nwifuru, has said that all residents of the state are indigenes and should not be seen as visitors.
Nwufuru who is the Speaker of the state House of Assembly made the assertion when members of the urban community in Abakaliki paid him a solidarity visit.
The APC guber candidate said that those being categorised as non indigenes were actually those who develop the areas they reside.
“My clan Izzi for instance, is happy that our land is steadily developed by the non-indigenes and we would always celebrate them,” he said.
He noted that if the clan’s ancestors did not make the sacrifice of welcoming and accepting visitors, Abakaliki could not had been chosen as Ebonyi capital.
“Onueke, in Ezza clan was more developed than Abakaliki but with the development majorly anchored by the non-indigenes, Abakaliki has become a model in the country.
“There are several instances where non-indigenes contested elections against natives and won through massive support.
“We are talking about success and the contributions of your fathers would not be taken for granted.
Nwifuru said that the forthcoming election was not about him but about everyone who believe in equity, capability and competence.
“There are people who want to govern the state but do not reside in it or feel the pains of the people.
The Leader of the Urban Community in the state, Charles Akpu-Enika assured the guber candidate of massive support of the urbanites in his bid to govern the state.
“We have been campaigning for you in various communities before this visit and we would take this battle as ours.
“We urge our brothers and sisters who have been misled to have a rethink and support this cause because it is anchored on capacity, justice and equity.
“Non-indigenes have benefitted tremendously from the APC- led government in Ebonyi and we would support all its candidates in the elections.
The President of Urban Community in the state, Rev. Anayo Ilo said that non-indigenes no longer feel as visitors but real citizens of the state.
“This association consists of landlords association, town union associations, women groups, divine mandate associations, artisans among others.