… As they wholeheartedly endorse him for 3rd term
It was a brotherly, beautiful atmosphere, at the home of a notable leader in Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Engr. Mark Uchendu (KSM), as the critical stakeholders of old Etiti Local Government Area, which is now Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo LGAs, came together to speak in one voice, endorsing the aspiration and candidacy of Hon. Deacon Chike John Okafor, PhD, for another term in Federal House of Representatives.
Hon. Chike Okafor had won his first election in 2015, when many never reckoned with him, nor gave a chance, and has since proven, abundantly, like never before experienced in the area, that the only reason for holding a political office, be it elective or appointive is to bring Development to your constituency.
Speaking on the occasion, the Imo State commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Comrade Simon Ebegbulem, who had aspired for the position but eventually stepped down, for the good of the Constituency, expressed confidence in the ability of Hon. Chike Okafor to attract more dividends of democracy to the area, as a ranking member, which would be difficult for a first timer. He affirmed that it was mainly on that note that he saw reasons to make way for Hon. Chike Okafor and to support him to the hilt.
The commissioner for Housing and Urban development, Lady Ineh Love as well as the the commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Anukwem all spoke in the affirmative to the effect that the Old Etiti Local Government Area prefers and fully supports Hon. Chike Okafor for House of Representatives.
The event was graced by the coordinators of the various Development Centres, notable representatives, from all the wards in Ihitte-Uboma LGA, women and youth groups, and the Presidents General of the 22 Autonomous communities. Chief Loveday Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Uzinomi Okata and leader of the Presidents General conveyed the affirmation and support of the PGs to Hon. Chike Okafor.
The Autonomous communities include:
Amainyinta, Amainyi, Umuawaeke Amainyi, Umuihi, Ihinna, Amakohia, Ekwereocha Amakohia, Umuderim, Nkumeato, Elugwu-Umuchienta, Umuezegwu, Umuoma, Ikpenweafor, Ikperejere,, Aluama Abueke, Abueke, Umunumu, Umuawuchi, Ezimba, Onicha Uboma, Uzinomi, Lowa.
Other notable speakers on the occasion include; Chief Stephen Ugwonali (Apiti), Chief Agommuo Callistus, Chief Columba Okafor (Siki), Hon. Chief Kelechi Iwueke, Chief Ikechukwu Ogoke, Mr. Mich Ibekwe as well as Chief Tennyson who read the welcome address, stating clearly that Ihitte-Uboma leaders had met, reached an understanding, and decided to invite Hon. Chike Okafor to convey their endorsement of his candidacy.
Responding on behalf of the Obowo leaders, a former Local Government chairman and former commissioner for Health, Dr. Anosike assured the Etiti brethren that Obowo is committed to the understanding being entered into by the Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo LGAs.
In his response, the member representing Ehime-Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma and Obowo Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives, Hon Chike Okafor of the All Progressive Congress APC, thanked the the stakeholders for their unwavering support and commitment that are visibly beyond their personal interests but the general good of the Federal Constituency. He seized the opportunity to thank the Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma for the massive developmental projects across the State and for the fatherly role he played during and after the party primaries.
While thanking the Hon. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon Simon Ebegbulem, for his uncommon understanding and spirit of sportsmanship during their party contest, he appreciated the efforts of the Hon. Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Lady Love Ineh for being the mediator behind the success of the outing. He reassured Ihitte Uboma people of his commitment to bringing more development to the Federal Constituency when re-elected and also supporting them after his tenure elapses in 2027.
Hon. Chike Okafor summarised on a note of appreciation to the leaders and stakeholders, for finding him worthy of their endorsement, while promising to carry Ihitte-Uboma along, even more, in the scheme of things and also reminding them he is vying for the House of Representatives under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of the Ete, a climbing rope, by Chief Columba Okafor (Siki), as an ultimate insignia of goodwill which which signifies an unreserved and unrestricted authority to soar to the Zenith.