The people of Umuagu Umuhu in Ohuhu, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State were in very high spirits yesterday as a sociopolitical organisation of the community, Umuhu for Ikuku Forum played host to the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji.
While leading the ceremonies of breaking of kolanuts according to the rich Igbo culture, the chairman of Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Forum, Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu prayed extensively for the success of the Speaker in his political journey towards the Federal House of Representatives, saying he deserves all the support he can get from the people of Ohuhu because of his landmark achievements in the clan and beyond.
While welcoming the Speaker and his entourage to the venue, the Coordinator of Umuhu for Ikuku who is also the Traditional Prime Minister of the community, Chief Ifeanyi Ikwuakor thanked the Speaker for the visit and said it was obvious that the people were happy to have him in their midst. He revealed that the community has, through the Umuhu for Ikuku Forum, resolved to work to ensure his victory at next year’s general elections. He said the resolution followed a careful assessment of all the candidates contesting for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency position and came to the irrevocable conclusion that the Speaker is the best among all having contributed greatly, directly/indirectly, to the people’s development across board over the years.
In his response, the Speaker thanked the people for their effusive show of love towards him and for coming out in their numbers to welcome him. He also thanked the Founder of Umuhu for Ikuku Forum, Prince Okezie Ogbudu for his initiative and for the impressive mobilisation of the people. He stressed that it was an indication that he is very well on ground and in tune with his people.
The Speaker noted that the presence of Ndi Eze led by the Chairman of Ohuhu Traditional Rulers Forum, HRH Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu and the Chiefs including the traditional prime minister of the community, party stalwarts, women and youth leaders etc was an indication of the endorsement of the gathering by stakeholders.
He submitted that his own style of lesdership is to carry everybody along and that he will always ensure that everyone is carried along irrespective of age or status, and that no one is left behind. “This is democracy”, he declared!
He further commended the people of Umuhu for their political fidelity over the years, saying no iota of betrayal has ever been found in them. He strongly urged them not to throw insults at anyone while working for him but that they should concentrate on promoting him with his numerous achievements while considering their own interests first and the leader who can help them realise more of such interests.
He enjoined them to ensure they also support Col Austin Akobundu who is the PDP flagbearer for Abia Central Senatorial District, and the House of Assembly candidate of their constituency, Mr Ugochukwu Ezeocha.
Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji thereafter requested the people and their leaders to propose a project, be it a school, health centre or any other such project, for him to execute for the community.
He urged all those who intend to work for him in the run up to the 2023 general elections to do so in their localities where it matters most as he will come to address and appreciate them in such communities as a way of also assessing their needs first hand.
A former member of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Max Ndukwe Adindu, a former TC Chairman of Umuahia North LGA, Chief Lucky Akabuike, the Youth Director of the Speaker’s Campaign Council, Mr Benjamin Ifeanyi Apugo were among those who accompanied the Speaker to the event.
