Former Aide To Abia Gov, Enyinnaya Appolos Declares Interest To Contest For Obingwa West Constituency: …As Abaribe, Eziuche Ubani, Other Political Bigwigs Attend His Formal Declaration
It was a gathering of who is who, Saturday, in Isiko, Obingwa LGA as former Aide to Abia Governor, Enyinnaya Appolos formally declared his interest to Contest for the Obingwa West(Uhie) State Constituency at the Abia House of Assembly under the People’s Democratic Party,(PDP).
Some of the Political Bigwigs in Abia politics who attended the elaborate event include, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani, Chief Ibe Nwadioha, Chief Seth Agomuo, Hon. Sopuruchi Nwabekee.
The event also attracted the presence of Chief Benjamin Nwankpa, Chief Ezinwa Abiri, Abia born former Captain of the Nigeria Super Eagles, Uche Okechukwu, major political stakeholders and leaders in Obingwa West State Constituency.
Speaking at the ceremony, the former Special Adviser to Abia State Governor on Media, Enyinnaya Appolos while making his intentions known to his people promised to run a responsive and accessible administration as a representative of his people if given the opportunity come 2023.
Appolos,a leading Aspirant for the Obingwa West State Constituency said his intention to vie for the position stems from his decision to fill the yearnings of his people for an all inclusive legislation.
“The major function of a legislator most times is to receive complaints from his constituents so if the constituents can not access their lawmaker, how will they lay their complaint?
“I am going to fill that gap because I am accessible, I am reachable, my people can always find me and see me whenever they want to see me, that is the thing I am going to bring in that aspect”.
The former Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, noted that he is not intimidated by other contestants vying for the same position but the reverse, alleging that some contestants have asked him to step aside for them but his decision to join the race is undeterred.
“This is not the time for somebody to sit at home and think that one big man will give him the ticket. No, we are all going to the field and I am prepared to meet everyone at the field”, he said.
While dismissing insinuations that he has the endorsements of Obingwa Political Stakeholders including Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Rt. Hon. Eziuche Ubani among others, Appolos reiterated that none of them has endorsed him though he has consulted them like any other person in the race.
“The Governor has not endorsed me, he was the first person I discussed this with.I am not banking on my relationship with the Governor, if I am banking on that, I should be here in my house, or if I am banking on the fact that Hon. Eziuche Ubani is my brother, I should be sleeping or if I am banking on the fact that I am in good terms with Senator Abaribe and every other person I should be sleeping. But I am still going around asking for people’s endorsements.
“The Governor has not endorsed me. Abaribe has not endorsed me. Hon. Eziuche Ubani has not endorsed me. I am still talking with the stakeholders, the delegates and even the people on the streets and I am sure they are going to give me this mandate”, he maintained.
He insisted that it is the responsibility of the people to decide who represents them, hence, the reason for bringing them together to inform them of his decision to contest the position officially.
The media personnel further stated thatshould the PDP deny him ticket at the primaries, he would not contemplate decamping to another political party but rather return to the newsroom which is his first address.
Appolos, assured that he would bring his wealth of experience in Journalistm profession to bear in the legislative cum political terrain.
“I have been a political journalist, I report politics. All my life as a politician, I have being around politicians, I think I have enough knowledge from what it takes to move from the newsroom to a congressman”, he said.
Also speaking, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos for taking the bold step and expressed confidence that he would make an effective representative.
“He has done the right thing by informing his people. Telling the people means you value them as they hold the ballots. I therefore advice Enyinnaya Appolos to show strength. When you show strength,you will succeed.
“Politics is not for serious differences and everyone has to contest any elective position and that makes for a healthy democracy”, he concluded.
The event also had in attendance, Elder S.M.C Eze, the Obingwa LGA Chairman represented by his Deputy, Hon. Uloma Okezie, Ward Chairmen of the six wards, their leaders and Councillors, among others.
