Former deputy governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chinedu Emeka, Friday, hosted the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA), Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa.
Dr. Emeka in his speech, applauded the timely visit by the national chairman, describing it as an honour to whom it is due. Other Anambra West APGA stakeholders were also at the event.
The former deputy governor popularly known as Ikenga Olu na Igbo said that Ezeokenwa as national chairman is a round peg in a round hole. He said that Ezeokenwa had equipped himself with the necessary skills needed for such a challenging job and reminded him the need to carry stakeholders along for the overall interest of the party.
He said, “In the last election, APGA scored 19/21 so you entered on a high note. You must strive to score 21/21 in the next election and that needs the efforts of everyone.”
Dr. Emeka noted that the next gubernatorial election in Anambra State may be tough because of several interests in the state. But pointed out that Governor Soludo is doing excellently well which has given the party a headstart above others and urged him to continue doing so.
He advised the governor to concentrate on execution of projects because good performance will be visible to all and sundry and speaks for itself, being the overall essence of governance and becomes good material for campaign.
Dr. Emeka said he is particularly impressed with what the governor had done and still doing in Anambra West, particularly with the construction of a road leading from Umueze Anam through Mmiata Anam to Nzam, the local government headquarters.
He said, “During Governor Soludo’s campaign; he said he would do the road. I was very happy when he said it and started dancing; some naysayers mocked me, saying it was an ordinary political promise that would amount to nothing. Now, the governor had shut their mouth and justified my dance.
“I am also happy the way he injected youths into his administration, including my people from Anambra West. I applaud him for believing and investing in the youths. I totally agree with the idea of youths’ involvement in mainstream politics and other endeavours. But it must be earned by the youths, not taken for granted. It must be based on merit, not involved for involvement sake.
“Anambra West is solidly behind Soludo because he has given us enough reason to continue to support him. He can count on our votes.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Hon. TonyCollins Nwabunwanne said that Governor Soludo has Anambra West at heart, noting that the governor’s visit to Olumbanasa was not only historical but phenomenal in many respects.
“Ordinarily, the governor would have stopped at Umueze Anam; after all it is still a part of Anambra West” he said. “But he joined boat, not minding the risk and went to the interior parts of the LGA to see for himself all the reports about neglect and underdevelopment.
“Now, he is putting to action the promises he made. Nzam is taking a new shape with the access road, befitting LGA secretariat and many others. Moreover, the governor has approved additional large culvert to ensure water flows freely during rainy and tide season, without causing much damage as well as making the area accessible at all times.
“The general hospital project which Anambra West is one of the five beneficiaries has taken off.”
In his speech, transition committee chairman, Anambra West, Hon. Felix Ikechi said that the presence of Governor Soludo is being felt at every nook and cranny of the LGA. “What we are doing at our level is to take the Solution agenda to the door steps of our people” he said. “There is no community in Anambra West that has not benefited from one project or the other.”
The Assistant Publicity Secretary, APGA, southeast, Hon. Ojukwu Obakasi implored the stakeholders to continue to galvanize the people and keep them abreast of the party’s activities for APGA’s overall success.
He reminded them that their relevance is tied to the success of the party remaing as the ruling party. “To remain an appointee or an elected member, APGA needs to be in power. Otherwise, when another party wins, their members will take over. All of us must appreciate the supremacy of the party and work for its interest at all times.”
Responding, the APGA national chairman, Ezeokenwa said he had a lot of hope in the ability of Anambra West stakeholders and urged them never to relent. He said that as a representative of the “youth constituency” he must put in extra effort to justify the demands for inclusion of youths into the mainstream affairs.”
Other dignitaries at the event are: Hon. Romanus Egwuatu, Hon. (Barr.) Obiora Nweke, Hon. Paul Uzo, Mrs Theresa Okoye, Chief Dan Ozoemena, Hon. ChuksMary, Chief Austine Chukwura, Chief Sunday Iyi, Hon. Isaac Obadiegwu, Chief Sunday Nwasa and many others.
