Kinsmen of the Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Kennedy Ibe, have kicked against his alleged plan to return to the house for a third term, describing it as unacceptable, insensitive and disastrous.

In an open letter addressed to the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, the people, under the auspices of Obowo in Diaspora Association, the group warned that such move would distablise the existing political stability and equity in the area.

They urged Uzodimma to urgently intervene on the matter in the best interest of the people and for continued peace and progress of the area and the state at large.

The letter, signed by the Coordinator of the group, Iyke Igbokwe, the General Secretary Atulegwu Adindu, and the Public Relations Officer, Christian Opara, reads in part: “His Excellency, we want to bring to your attention the political disaster that awaits Obowo if nothing is done to avert Ibe’s third term bid.

“The crux of the matter is that the third term bid is not only sad, but intended to defile and challenge the collective sensibility of Obowo people. We are not persuaded by any claims by anyone that Your Excellency has requested any individual to opt for third term.

However, we are persuaded by your interest in preserving the collective will of the people and ensuring that prosperity is shared.

“Obowo has certain political norms with regards to representation at the state House of Assembly, since this political dispensation from 1999 till date. These norms have ensured great participation of Obowo people in politics without violence and also ensured that political representation is distributed between the two zones of Obowo, East and West. Your Excellency, please permit us to state that the ten political wards of Obowo are evenly shared. Obowo, at the state House of Assembly, does so for two terms only. Third term is alien to our political history.

“The above political arrangement in Obowo has fostered peace and decorum throughout various election seasons in Obowo. It has also minimised and removed youth restiveness during elections. We, therefore, do not want to lose any of the gains we have made over the years because of any parochial ambition, born out of insensitivity by our house member, against the collective interest of Obowo people.”