Two aspirants for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief (Mrs) Love Ezema mni and Chief Sam Anya, on Wednesday met with the enlarged stakeholders forum of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Abiriba Chapter to canvass support for their 2023 ambitions.
Speaking during the meeting held in Umuahia, Mrs Ezema assured members of the the party that she would ensure even distribution of dividends of democracy to all the communities that make up the constituency. “I am a core party person and you all know that I have a special relationship with Abiriba people which has made me one of you. I will prioritize projects and programmes in Abiriba if you support me to emerge as the candidate of our great party, the PDP”, she said.
On his part, Chief Sam Anya stated that he has the reach to attract quality projects to the Constituency and to empower the youths. He promised to give the people of Abiriba a pride of place if elected and requested the delegates not to mortgage the future of the constituency but to vote for him to fly the flag of the party.
According to him, “it is time to take our constituency to a higher level and provide quality representation that will make life better for our youths, parents and everyone”.
In his remarks, the leader of Abiriba PDP, and Pro Chancellor of Abia State University Uturu, Chief Mba Okoronkwo Ukariwo charged the aspirants and their supporters to eschew bitterness and campaign of calumny against each other so that when a candidate emerges from the primary election there will still be room to come together and work for the victory of the party at the general election.
He said, “I will want everyone to caution their supporters against campaign of calumny as this primary election is just an internal party process, the main challenge is out there waiting for us and whatever you say against each other is what they will use against us during the general election, so we must create room that will enable us come together after a candidate has emerged and win the election “.
In his response, the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu described the aspirants as being eminently qualified for the position but noted that it is only one person that will be elected at a particular time. He further stressed the fact that it is naturally the turn of Abiriba as a community to produce the next representative for Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency being the only community that has not had a shot on the seat before now.
“Of course , the party is supreme and as loyal party members we will await the decision of the party on where the ticket should go. We have confidence in the leadership of the party, from Governor Okezie Ikpeazi through the State Chairman, Rt Hon Asiforo Okere. While we hope and pray for the emergence of a candidate from Abiriba, if a decision is taken in favor of any of you we will surely work for the success of the person during the general elections because we know you are all eminently qualified”, he stated.
In their different comments, Hon Tony Kalu, former Majority Leader Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Mandela Obasi, member representing Ohafia North State Constituency, Dr Okorafor Ukiwe, Chairman Ohafia LGA and Princess Grace Agbara extolled the persons and qualifications of the aspirants, describing them as being trustworthy and assured them of the support of Abiriba PDP if elected during the primaries.
Other stakeholders who attended the meeting include Hon Edward Kalu Okocha,, Hon Okoro Okeke, Chief Ndubuisi Eme, Engr. Onwuka Agbai, Chief Ejibe Kalu, Chief Otah Odim, 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.
