The Candidate for Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency under the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Engr Ogbonna Abarikwu has asked for just two years to fix the Ikwuano/Umuahia constituency.
Abarikwu who stated this during in a meeting with leaders of Ibeku Ancient kingdom, across party lines, in his Okwoyi-Isieke country home,Umuahia North Local Government Area, said he needs only two years to show to the people what representation is all about.
According to him,there alot of money mapped out for constituency development,that are being syphoned, adding that when he comes on board,he would open the eyes of the people to the true meaning of quality representation.
Intimating his vision to represent the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency in the coming general elections, Abarikwu harped on the need to have a coordinated plan for the development of Ikwuano/Umuahia,as well,
for the constituency to vote in a candidate that can offer representation come 2023.
According to Abarikwu, the constituency has been lacking key developmental indices, ranging from health,education system, portable water supply, quality road network, electricity, among others.
He said the era of wealth amassing was over, pledging to return all constituency funds to the development of the constituency.
The APGA candidate fired past representatives of the constituency, saying they have not done anything compared to the money allocated for constituency projects.
He promised to be a servant leader,that would be ready to hear the needs of the people and act on them accordingly, calling on the stakeholders of Ibeku to support his aspiration.
Responding, the ward chairman of Ibeku East Ward 1, Iheanacho Oji,praised the antecedents of Ogbonna Abarikwu, commending the decision of the All Progressive Grand Alliance,to give him the ticket of Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency.
Chief Onwunaruwa Onuoha
The former President General of Ibeku Ancient kingdom,Dr Apollos Ibelegbu, called for more support for Abarikwu,while stressing the need to form a formidable campaign team that would help sensitize the people better.
Sir Joshua Ogbonna in his speech, lauded the integrity of Abarikwu, which he said made him oblige to attend the meeting.He said it is however left for the people to decide who would lead them,as there are other Ibeku sons who are angling for the same position, praying God to help his aspirations.
In their separate responses, Chief Onwunaruwa Onuoha, Chief Justice Nwosu, Chief Chris Kanu and Enyinnaya David Chukwu, encouraged Abarikwu to be firm and courageous,as politics is not for the faint hearted. While calling on the people of Ibeku to give him a chance, they described APGA candidate as a refined breed, who has penchant for quality representation and honesty.
The Palace secretary of Ndume Autonomous Community and the Community Leader of Ndume Ibeku,Hon Chris Nwakanma in his response, beaconed for the support and encouragement of Abarikwu to achieve his desire come 2023.
He said the Ibeku land has not witnessed empowerment and projects, since the exit of Rt Hon Stanley Ohajuruka,stating that a vote for Abarikwu would change the narrative.
The Former Chief Security Officer under the immediate past Governor of Abia State, Chief Peter Ozurumba,said come 2023, more emphasis would be placed on the personalities of the contestants than their parties, assuring that Abarikwu would give quality representation.
Contributing, the APGA Senatorial candidate for Abia Central, Barr Ahamdi Nweke, decried the state of governance in Nigeria, stating that until Nigerians rise from the perception of party politics and refuse to put a round peg in a square hole,then the problem would persist.
Barr Ahamdi Nweke
He blamed Nigerians for being responsible for the underdevelopment in the nation, urging that the coming elections should be used to sanitize the political system across board.
Nweke, however, described Abarikwu as a good product that can effect quality change in his constituency.
In an interview with newsmen, Ogbonna Abarikwu disclosed that the interface with the leaders of Ibeku community,was more of a consultation,to inform them of his aspiration, pending when the campaign would kick off, adding that his next meeting would be with the leaders of Ohuhu,Ubakala and Ikwuano.
Reacting to whether he has confidence if his people would vote for him, Abarikwu said it is a matter of being candid and honest, stating that he would not play to the gallery or present a different front from what they know, adding that if the people find him worthy, then they should vote for him.”They can take it to the bank, I will not disappoint them”.
He further stated that he would not engage in any form of attack against other opponents,but devote more time in sourcing out the ways to address the problem of the constituency.
