2023 POLLS: “Why Support Must Shift To Ihite-Uboma For Reps”- Stakeholders

Indigenes of the Ihitte-Uboma in Okigwe South Federal Constituency of Imo State have appealed to the clans of Ehime-Mbano and Obowo to support them in electing their son, Rt. Hon Jonas Okeke popularly known as ‘Uncle Joe’ for the House of Representatives come 2023 general elections.

 

The Ihitte-Uboma indigenes who are residing in Abuja had agreed to simulate conversation, work together with other clans that make up the Okigwe-South federal Constituency (Ehime-Mbano and Obowo) to support an indigene of Ihitte/Uboma not only on the strength of equity, nonetheless on competence.

 

Representative of the 10 electoral wards of the area who took turn to speak at a general meeting and reception in honour of Hon. Okeke of the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) in Abuja emphasized the need to make the dream come true in order to sustain their age-long rotation of elective positions among their component clans.

 

Speaking, Chukwuma Okafor, Chairman of Umuezegwu ward Abuja branch and Prince Ovuike of Umuihi ward called on the other clans to support Ihitte-Uboma this time as it has not only become tradition, but also beneficial.

 

According to him, since the current representative Dcn Chike Okafor is from Obowo, it becomes morally sound for Ihitte-Uboma son to step in this time adding there is no true peace without fairness, truth, justice, and solidarity.

 

Also, Chief Kodichi Anamekwe charged all to disabuse issues of political affiliation this time and work towards the actualization of this perfect arrangement of rotating positions among the three clans that make up the constituency.

 

“The issue at hand goes beyond party affiliation, we are only upholding what is right; what is fair; what is just and what is normal. It’s just and fair we adhere to that principle of equal share to exterminate rancour and acrimony. This equitable sharing has been the pivot for our cordiality, mutual trust and bane of our togetherness,” he expressed.

 

Eze-elect, Bright Ekurume, in his speech said that their sister clans of Ehime-Mbano and Obowo had always gravitated towards what is right and would not grudge at any point to support their preferred son to represent the constituency at the federal level, stressing that such gesture would place Ihitte-Uboma at par with other clans in development stages.

 

Buttressing the position of their kinsmen, Eze-Elect Ike Obasi ,Maazi Ambrose Okeke, Elder Alex Edom and many others recalled that Ehime-Mbano at different times cumulatively had taken turn in the green chamber for 12 yrars. Obowo at a stretch has taken eight years, and if allowed another term would be 12 yeras while Ihitte-Uboma has put up only four years.

 

Meanwhile, they have called for sensitization of the people in the area on the need to explore every available means to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

 

Eze Obasi appealed to all sons and daughters of Ihitte-Uboma to get well involved. He said: “Everyone should be involved, it’s our turn, that’s the fact, we need not skirt around this fact. It behoves on all of us to reach out to our friends, in-laws and associates. People of Okigwe-South so much believe in equity. It’s not to be strived for, it’s a necessity. Equality is like gravity. We need it to stand on this earth as men and women. Without it is likened to life out of balance.”

 

While Ambrose Okeke, in his speech said any well-meaning personality or clans of the constituency of Okigwe South should be disposed to this age-long arrangement, elder Edom said even as they were irrevocably committed to the actualization of the mandate of Ihitte-Uboma taking what is rightfully theirs, they were not collapsing the distinction between competence and right.

Elder Edom, a former National President, Airport Car Hire Association of Nigeria(ACHAN) stated, “There is none of our clans that cannot boast of competent persons to the green chambers, that’s why ours is rotatory geared at engender peace and grassroots development. Other constituencies may wish to allow their representatives for longer years, fine and good. For us, this is our peculiarity and it’s perfectly working for us,” Edom expressed.

 

Former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, and indigene of Ehime-Mbano, Rt. Hon. Lawman Duruji called on all Ihitte-Uboma people to come together now it matters the most to support their brother who according to him has all it takes to win the election.

 

“I inclined to withdraw my ambition when I saw an Ihitte-Uboma person (Hon. Jonas) who has an intimidating record and personality; who can give Okigwe-South profound name at the green chambers, knowing so well that any interest/agenda beyond that amounts to marginalization.

 

Today, Ihitte/Uboma has no police station, no high court, no magistrate court, and nothing is being said about that. Ihitte-Uboma seems to be backward in the area of amenities, it hops on one leg far behind others (Obowo and Ehime-Mbano) in development, that also accounts to why their son needed to go”, Duruji expressed.

 

In his speech, Rt. Hon. Jonas Okeke thanked his kinsman who he described as worthy ambassadors who have played prominent roles in the politics and economic growth of the federal capital territory (FCT).

 

“I’m overwhelmed by this pally today, you are landlords in the FCT, host to anyone coming to represent our people. You understand the high-wire intrigues of our national politics. You are like tour guides and forest rangers here, your dept and wisdom is sine qua non. You’re the ear and eye of our people at home, I’m proud to be in your midst.

 

“When I was at the house of Assembly, regardless of the priorities and focus at that time, notwithstanding also many developmental projects I attracted, I placed over 20 sons and daughters of Ihitte/Uboma on salary.

 

“My door was open to my constituents and non-constituents alike. Support me, trust me, I will bring back all that Ihitte-Uboma desired. I will give what belongs to Obowo, I will not compromise interest of Ehime-Mbano. No part of Okigwe-south shall be relegated under my stewardship and I will not regale you with tales.

 

“I am not a greenhorn in this business. I know what our people need. All parts of Okigwe -South are my home. I will breath fresh air to our ailing infrastructures and security.

 

“Sensitize our people to get their PVCs to vote. We will never allow them steal our mandate again. Give me your vote, Support our mandate.  Like our brother Lawman has pointed out, our time is now our brothers from the other clans have lend their support, our opponents have become edgy.”