Say: We’ve Suffered Untold Marginalization
A large crowd of the people of Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10 in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, met recently and unanimously resolved that they would support any and every indigene of the ward contesting any elective position in the steadily approaching 2027, across party lines.
After extensive deliberations, the people of Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10 from different political parties, came to a resounding conclusion that,
the ward has suffered untold marginalization in terms of elective positions, as none of their sons or daughters has ever held any elective position in the history of Ngor Okpala, Ngor Okpala, Aboh Mbaise Federal Constituency, Owerri Zone and Imo State. According to them, they are not only dissatisfied with the ugly experience but also fully determined to work towards changing it, hence the resolution to wholeheartedly support any son or daughter of the ward running election in the coming dispensation.
To this end,they expressed happiness over the reported interest of one of their son, Dr Chijioke Kaduru in Owerri Senate Seat, stressing that he is eminently qualified in all ramifications and would change the story of senatorial representation of the zone if given the mandate. They made it categorically clear that if he eventually runs they would not only give him 100% support, but also move into other wards and LGAs to work for his success.
These resolutions followed the address of the facilitators of the meeting, and the contributions of the many sons and daughters of the ward who spoke at the meeting.
Throwing light on the essence of the meeting, Chief Emmanuel Agbakwuru, Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10 APC Chairman, who spoke on behalf of the facilitators, said the meeting was convened to chart a way forward for the political future of the ward. He added that it was convened for all indigenes of the ward irrespective of party affiliation.
Chief Agbakwuru disclosed that it was aimed at fostering unity and development of the ward, as well as mapping out strategies that would help change the ugly political narrative of the ward. According to him, the facilitators strongly believe that one way the poor political performance of the ward within the LGA, Federal Constituency and Owerri Zone could be addressed is through massive support, for any of their son or daughter contesting election no matter his political party.
He stated that achieving this goal clearly requires community engagement, which was why they convened the meeting, to provide the platform for collective discussion,decisions and actions geared towards achieving the proposed agenda.
Having set the ball rolling Speaker after speaker endorsed the idea of massively supporting their kit and kin running elections across party line, leading to the eventual unanimous agreement to start toeing that path.
The leader of Ngor Okpala Legislative Council and Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10 councillor, Rt Hon Donald Agbugba, who was the first to speak, fully endorsed the idea
describing it as a welcome development that, would take Obiangwu/ Ezemba Ward 10 to the next level. He thanked Dr Kaduru for his courage to dream about going to the red chamber to represent Owerri Zone, pointing out that Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10 has never produced even House of Assembly member since its creation,not to talk of other higher elected officials.
The council leader called on the people of the ward,, to buy fully into the meeting agenda,as it could go a long way in helping to end the long standing marginalization of the ward in both Ngor Okpala, and Owerri Zone politics.
Another prominent son of the area, Dr Perry Njoku spoke in similar vein. He noted that Obiangwu has produced prominent politicians in the past, but lamented that it has seriously lagged behind in terms of getting elective offices. Dr Njoku said the situation has unfortunately continued notwithstanding that Obiangwu people have always been instrumental to the electoral success of people from other areas within and outside the LGA.
He described Dr Kaduru’s reported eyeing of Owerri Senate Seat as a heartwarming news every member of the ward should be proud of,stressing that the vibrant young man has continued to make the ward, Ngor Okpala, and Owerri Zone proud in both his professional service as globally renown public health expert, and a celebrated philanthropist.
He further declared that the ward must immediately begin to see Kaduru’s unfolding ambition as its project, and start contributing its quota to make it a reality.
A former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Obiangwu/Ezemba Ward 10, Hon Charles Akuchie, endorsed the meeting agenda, reminding all however, that due to the laws of the country, and parties, the first step that must be taken before the people of the ward can start talking about across party lines support in the general election,is winning party primary and securing ticket. He, therefore, urged the leaders of respective parties in the ward to work hard in their respective parties to ensure sons and daughters of the ward aspiring for tickets in their parties secure the tickets. He expressed confidence that once that is done,
Obiangwu/ Ezemba Ward would in their usual style deliver 100%,as well as use their contacts and connections to secure support for them from other areas.
Similarly, Hon Josephine Obilor, and Hon Chiekezi Opara re echoed what Hon Akuchie said. According to them the major task at hand now is getting party ticket, even as they urged Obiangwu leaders in APC to do all within their powers to ensure that Dr Kaduru scaled the primary hurdle, if he eventually decides to run, assuring that they would work assiduously to ensure his victory.
Hon Chukwuma Anuforo Co Convener of Nkwa Chikwere Movement, a political pressure group belonging to Dr Kaduru, who represented him at the meeting, while speaking on his behalf lauded the ward for taking the bold and courageous decision to prioritize collective interests above personal and group interests in 2027, by fully supporting and working for indigenes of the area, seeking elective positions, not minding their party platforms.
According to him, one of the reasons why Nkwa Chikwere Movement was formed was to work towards ensuring that people of the ward speak with one voice, and place collective interests of the people above personal interests, expressing joy that the objective has finally been achieved. He noted that now that that goal has been achieved at the ward level, the movement would take its advocacy on the issue to Ngor Okpala, and Owerri Zone levels, to try to make them buy into the idea,as well as buy into the fact that Dr Kaduru is the best person that can protect and project the collective interests of the people of Owerri Zone from 2027 and beyond.