Prominent Anambra West indigenes, accompanied by several family members, today declared their full support for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during an event held at Umueze Anam. Among the new supporters are Chief Ifeanyi Ndive Alene, popularly known as Ifeanyi Manbo and Mmili Ama Enyi, Chief Patty Emeka, Edwin Arthor and Emma Ebubechukwu Uzo.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Ndive emphasized the need for political maturity, stating that “politics should not be do-or-die or conducted with bitterness.” He noted that with better understanding, people from the same family could belong to different political parties while working toward the same objective, stressing that intelligent understanding and planning are what matter most.
Ndive urged all Anambra West indigenes to work towards one singular objective by ensuring the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo. However, he appealed for the APGA-led administration to do more for his people ahead of the election, noting that “Umueze Anam still needs more government presence.”
The chairman of APGA Anambra West, Hon. Romanus Egwuatu, at the gathering, urged the party faithful to redouble their efforts in ensuring APGA’s victory. Chief Sunday Onuorah, Iyi Osungidi, observed that with three key stakeholders in Ebendu now in APGA, “anyone outside is on his own.”
Former Deputy Governor of Anambra State and APGA Chieftain, Dr. Chinedu Emeka, at the event, made remarks, predicting APGA victories in Ezi Anam, Mmiata, Oroma-Etiti Anam, and many other areas in Anambra West. He urged Umueze Anam to ensure they remain part of the victorious story when APGA wins Anambra West.
Dr. Emeka said that Hon. Patrick Udoba, representing Anambra West Constituency, told the governor in his presence that “APGA never offended him in any way” and expressed surprise over the alleged plans by Hon. Udoba to leave APGA.
The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs Chief Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, in his speech, emphasized the importance of APGA members and stakeholders working as one united family.
In response to the statement made by Chief Ndive that Umueze Anam had not benefited from the APGA government, Chief Nwabunwanne reminded Umueze Anam that they are major beneficiaries of the APGA government, noting that their son, Hon. Patrick Udoba, representing the area at Anambra State House of Assembly, is firstly an APGA person, and he receives ₦30 million annually for constituency projects, totalling ₦120 million over four years. “Ordinarily, the impact of such a fund should be felt in every part of Anambra West, including Umueze Anam” he said. “So Umueze Anam cannot say that they have not benefited from Soludo’s government,” the commissioner stated. He, however, called on the honourable member to devote more time and effort to ensure they finish what they started together.
In a separate matter, Commissioner Nwabunwanne promised to give ₦1million for every 1000 votes won by any ward in the LGA in the forthcoming gubernatorial election.
Other notable attendees included the Mayor of Anambra West Hon. Fidelis Nnazor and his deputy Hon. (Mrs) Edith Ndive, President General of Umueze Anam Chief Emma Anijah, and elders of Ebendu quarters in Umueze Anam.
A support group “Adorable Ladies for Ife Anam” attended the event in large numbers, while popular musician Obi Foreign provided entertainment for the gathering. Chief Jacob Udoba, Ebubedike Anam, described the event as significant, stating that “with Manbo and others joining APGA, big iroko trees have been captured, and several others in line must surely follow.”
