The endorsement ship sailing across the nooks and crannies of Imo State for Governor Hope Uzodimma to seek re-election berthed at Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area on Tuesday, with the people, across Party lines, unanimously urging him to seek re-election.
The people were in agreement that he has done well to merit continuity in office to consolidate on the gains he has already recorded.
The Council Headquarters of Ahiazu Mbaise at Afor Oru, where the endorsement took place, was not only agog but witnessed an impressive turn out of the All Progressives Congress leaders and their supporters as well as others from other Political parties.
Those in attendance included the re-elected Imo State House of Assembly member for Ahiazu, Sam Otuibe, Political Appointees led by the Sole Administrator, Tony Anakani, the
Commissioners – Dr Elias Emedom and Dr Tony Mgbeahuruike and the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser (Media), Oguwike Nwachuku.
Other appointees were: Special Advisers – Hon (Mrs.) Chidinma Onuoha, Mrs. Rose Nwigwe, the Coordinator, Ekwereazu Development Centre, Chief Okey Ezem, all Local Government and Ekwereazu Development Centre Political appointees, and all the 12 Governor’s Liaison Officers.
The APC LG Chairman, Chief Ethelbert Ugwu led his team of executives including those of the 12 Wards to the occasion, including State Officer, Hon Tony Odirichukwu.
The Political leaders were also not missing in action. They include former Council Boss, Chief Adauctus Onuoha, Chief Charles Obilor, Dr Simeon Chinagorom, Chief Francis Nzenwata, Hon Chris Okechukwu, Hon Law Agulanna, Hon (Mrs.) Salome Onuoha, Chief Johnny Chilakpu, Chief Ebere Nwosu, Chief Cajethan Iwu, among many others.
President Generals of Town Unions in Ahiazu Mbaise were represented by their leader, Chief Magnus Amaefule while the Chairman, Ahiazu Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Sabinus Nwaneche, representing the traditional institution, led his members such as Eze B.C Onuoha, Eze S.P Iwu and Eze Pius Onyekwere to the event.
In his opening remarks, the host and Ahiazu Mbaise Sole Administrator, Chief Tony Anakani welcomed everyone to the gathering and extolled the developmental strides of Governor Uzodimma, especially on road infrastructure, “particularly the fast paced work on Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road which has brought accolade to the 3R Government, rehabilitation of 5km rural roads, renovation of many Community Health Centres, Social Intervention and empowerment Programmes for Ahiazu youths and women, etc.”
The Sole Administrator also reminded the Stakeholders and the people of the magnanimity of the Governor as regards the many political appointments he extended to Ahiazu people, such as two Commissioners, Principal Secretary, Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement, numerous Special Advisers and creation of Ekwereazu Development Centre.
Hon Otuibe, who was recently re-elected to the House of Assembly in his remarks told Ahiazu citizens to thank Governor Uzodimma for the encouragement he gave to him and the Party which led to his victory in the last election. Otuibe said: “Senator Hope Uzodimma is a God-sent Governor whom God is using to uplift mankind and humanity.”
He expressed joy that the Governor has not left the people of Ahiazu behind in the scheme of things.
Also speaking, the Chief Press Secretary to His Excellency, Oguwike Nwachuku informed the Stakeholders that “no Governor, in the history of Imo State, has done more to uplift the well-being of the people, including Ahiazu people, than Governor Hope Uzodimma.”
He added, “Therefore, the only way to show appreciation is to, not only endorse him for another term, but also to work assiduously towards ensuring his victory. And I know we can do it.”
APC LGA Chairman, Chief Ugwu also urged the Party members to show serious commitment by making sure that the success recorded in the House of Assembly elections is replicated in the November Governorship election “so that the victory of Senator Hope Uzodimma will finally prove that Ahiazu is an APC dominated area.”
Moving a motion for Ahiazu people to endorse Governor Uzodimma for a second term, Chief Johnny Chilakpu said that “it is quite evident that His Excellency must be encouraged to finish the good work he has started for Imo people,” urging the Stakeholders to rise in unison for the support.
While seconding the motion, former Council Chairman, Chief Onuoha who spoke emotionally on the compassionate and humane way Governor Uzodimma has managed the affairs of the State and the love he has shown to the people of Ahiazu Mbaise said the time to reciprocate the Governor’s love is now.
The highlight of the occasion was members of other Political Parties who lent their support to the Endorsement in what they termed, “evident traces of development in Ahiazu Mbaise and Imo State, championed by the Governor.”
They include but not limited to Chief Okwudiri Nwandu, Chief Okwukwe Amaefule, Chief Chima Echeozo Onuoha and Accord Party House of Assembly Candidate in the last election, Hon Bruno Onuoha.
While speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Eze Nwaneche who is the Chairman of Council of Traditional Rulers in Ahiazu extolled Governor Uzodimma for his rare gift of quality service delivery, his personal character as a truthful and God fearing man, and his love and care for Traditional Rulers.
Eze Nwaneche said that Ahiazu Mbaise Traditional Rulers are solidly behind the endorsement of Governor Uzodimma and promised that they will continue to support the Programmes of the 3R administration.
After the deliberations, Governor Uzodimma was endorsed by the people via a unanimous yea voice that reverberated in the expansive Council Hall.