…Pass confidence vote on Imo gov.
At a pivotal stakeholders meeting on October 29, convened by the Executive Chairman of Obowo Local Government Area, Barrister Obioma Johnson Ehirim, the Obowo community united to address a critical issue facing the Local Government. Held at the Local Government Council Complex in Otoko, the meeting gathered party leaders, traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, and distinguished Obowo leaders to discuss on going online criticisms of Governor Hope Uzodinma, allegedly conducted by Dr. Fabian Ihekweme, a son of Obowo.
Welcoming the attendees, Barrister Ehirim expressed gratitude for the commitment shown by stakeholders who gathered despite the trying times in the country. He explained that the meeting had a singular agenda: to address the recent media commentaries attributed to Dr. Fabian Ihekweme,one of their sons,who has openly criticized the Governor on the Social Media platforms.
Ehirim noted his concerns about the unguarded nature of these attacks and underscored the importance of clarifying that Dr. Ihekweme does not represent the collective voice of the Obowo people.
He emphasized that the intention of the meeting was to create a unified stance among the stakeholders and to ensure that such personal criticisms would not be misconstrued as the collective opinion of Obowo.
In his address, Hon. Pastor Simeon Okeke, the Councillor for Odenkume Ward, emphasized that while Dr. Fabian has the individual right to voice his opinions, it was essential for the Obowo community to publicly disassociate the people from any narratives that could misrepresent their stance.
He proposed that an official statement be released to make it clear that Dr. Ihekweme’s views are personal and are not supported by the people of Obowo.
Former Obowo LGA Council Boss; Dr. Rey Emerenini, another speaker, echoed this sentiment. He remarked on the need to defend Obowo’s integrity and avoid any misperception that Dr. Ihekweme’s views reflect those of the Local Government. He thanked the Chairman,Hon. Ehirim for convening the meeting, emphasizing that while Dr. Fabian has the right to speak as a Nigerian, Obowo must clearly distance itself from his statements.
The State Assembly Member and former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kennedy Ibeh, commended Chairman Ehirim for his swift response to this issue. He stressed the importance of maintaining democratic principles, adding that while Dr. Ihekweme is entitled to his views, he must remember that his right to express himself stops where the rights of others begin.
Ibeh suggested that disciplinary actions should be considered by the APC’s ward-level executives, if Dr. Ihekweme’s statements continue to impact the party negatively.
Adding his perspective Chief Francis Ihechere questioned the necessity of investigating the motives behind Dr. Ihekweme’s statements, pointing out that Dr.Ihekweme had been part of the Uzodinma government without Obowo’s recommendation and that his actions now should not taint Obowo’s image. He urged stakeholders to evaluate any specific claims carefully to avoid undue consequences on the community’s reputation.
Chief Alex Mbakwe observed that Dr. Ihekweme’s critiques seem to have escalated since he left government service. He urged the Obowo leaders to focus on protecting the interests of the Local Government, stressing that Dr. Fabian’s personal grievances should not overshadow Obowo’s collective voice.
He strongly advocated for the APC at the local level to suspend Dr. Fabian for his recent anti-party actions.
The ward chairman for Alike, Hon. Chikadibia Osuekeh, noted that Dr. Fabian had already been suspended from the APC at the ward level for ignoring calls from his peers. He stated firmly that Dr. Fabian’s actions in no way represent the views of Alike Ward, making it clear that his statements are individual and unsupported.
Imo State APC Youth Leader, Hon. Udoka Iwuekeh, also from Alike Ward, affirmed the consensus, pointing out that Dr. Fabian’s attacks are directed at Governor Uzodinma, the apex leader of the APC in Imo State. He highlighted that Dr. Fabian’s suspension at the ward level should be mirrored at the Local Government level to send a strong message of unity and disassociation.
Supporting this motion, the Obowo APC Chairman and Nze Ogu Donald, APC Secretary of Obowo Chapter, formally condemned Dr. Ihekweme’s media attacks and endorsed his suspension. Dr. Anosike added his voice in agreement, advocating for a unified approach to shield Obowo’s reputation.
Reacting to the motions, the Obowo APC Chairman Hon. Lady Matilda Iroh expressed her views in tandem with the resolution of the Party ward excos, and proceeded to the adoption of the suspension at the Party LGA level.
Representing Rt. Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, Federal Member for Okigwe South, former Executive Chairman, Hon. Chidi Nwoko denounced Dr. Fabian’s actions as regrettable and damaging. He praised Obowo stakeholders for taking a firm stance against these attacks and aligning themselves with the principles of integrity and unity.
Traditional rulers, led by HRM Ngozi Patrick Uwalaka, as well as various community President Generals concurred with previous speakers, affirming their commitment to protecting Obowo’s values and unity. HRM Eze Uwalaka highlighted that the ongoing media attacks are unacceptable and should be collectively refuted to prevent misrepresentation.
In a show of solidarity, former Executive Chairman of Obowo, Hon. Basil Ekwekeh, proposed a vote of confidence on Governor Hope Uzodinma, a motion that was seconded by Hon. Lady Patience Mbakwe, Special Adviser to the Governor on Micro Credit. The motion passed unanimously, reinforcing Obowo’s support for the Governor and further distancing the community from Dr. Fabian’s criticisms.
In closing, Hon. Uwalaka Justice, Leader of the Obowo Legislative Council, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all stakeholders for their commitment to Obowo’s unity and integrity.
