Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abiriba Chapter, on Wednesday formally welcomed Chief Nduka Agwu and Mr Obasi Aso formerly of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Progressive Congress (APC), respectively, to the party during a meeting at the Umuahia residence of the Abia State Commisioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu.
Speaking at the meeting which also witnessed the declaration of Elder Uba Ina Ekeagbara to contest the Federal House of Representatives seat for Arochukwu/ Ohafia Constituency, and Engr Onwuka Agbai who declared for the Ohafia North State Constituency seat, the leader of the party in Abiriba, Chief Mba Ukariwo assured that the chapter will provide level playing ground for all members who wish to contest for any elective office as well as treat new members as equal stakeholders.
He said: “We are happy that our people are heeding our clarion call to contest all positions available for the 2023 election and we will ensure that they will have necessary support from the chapter. These are exciting times for the party in Abiriba as we are fully unified and speaking with one voice, hence, the interest shown by hundreds of Abiriba people to join our party under the overall leadership of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
“Let me assure everyone that nobody will be discriminated against as there are roles for each member to play in ensuring that we emerge victorious at the 2023 polls”.
Elder Uba who is a Nigerian-British trained Chemical Engineer with over 30 years experience in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC), while addressing the stakeholders stated that after consulting his God, and in agreement with his family, he has decided to offer himself to represent the people of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency at the Green Chamber.
“My decision to offer myself to serve my people in this capacity came after due consultation with my God and getting approval from Him, and also the approval of my family. I have over the years gained administrative, negotiating and interpersonal skills in my over 30 years experience in EPC and these I will bring to bare on the seat if you elect me to represent you.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, expressed satisfaction with the pedigree of the aspirant, describing him as an experienced professional who has contributed immensely towards the development of Abiriba community. The Commissioner went ahead to state that the seat of Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency as a matter of right belongs to Abiriba since all the other major communities that make up the Federal Constituency have taken turns in representing the Constituency except Abiriba .
In his declaration to contest for the Ohafia North State Constituency seat, Engr Onwuka Agbai reminded members of the party of his steadfast support for the PDP as well as the need to carry all wards in the chapter along in sharing offices.
“I believe the constituency will be well represented if I am considered as I have the requisite qualifications and experience to deliver good representation to our people”, he said.
In their different contributions, Chief Sunday Ifeigbo, Chief Robert Ejemole, Hon Nnanna Awo, Princess Grace Agbara, Hon. Chief Tony Kalu, Chief Ndubuisi Eme and Mrs Joy Ndukwe encouraged the aspirants to expand their consultations to other communities that make up the Constituency, have an open mind towards the process and support whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer at the end of the process as it is one one person that will represent the party at the general election.
Presenting himself to the stakeholders, the former APGA chieftain, who doubles as the Chairman of Abiriba Communal Improvement Union (ACIU), Aba branch, Chief Nduka Agwu (Chidican) promised to double the commitment he invested in APGA now that he is with “the right party”. Mr Obasi Aso assured that all his supporters will join him in PDP to support the agenda of the Governor to ensure total victory for the party in 2023.
Other stakeholders who attended the meeting include Hon. Chief Tony Okoro, former Majority Leader, Abia State House of Assembly, the Executive Chairman of Ohafia LGA, Dr Okorafor Ukiwe, Hon Edward Kalu Okocha who had earlier declared his intention to contest for Ohafia North State Constituency, Chief Ejibe Kalu, Chief Otah Odim, Princess Grace Agbara, Zonal PDP Wonen Leader, Mrs Joy Ndukwe, Hon. Nelly Onwuka, Hon Nwabueze Aru, Ezinne Ada Obasi, Comrade Paul Kalu, PDP ward Chairmen from Abiriba and other elected party executives as well as elected Councillors from Abiriba, among others.
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