It was literally a Celebration galore in Ihiagwa, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State, Wednesday, January 8, as Hon Obulimba Innocent Ekeh and hundreds of his followers, rejoined the APC.
More than anything else, the roll call of who is who from the local government area and beyond,who graced the event speaks eloquently to the excitement and happiness that defined the occasion.
The array of stalwarts that witnessed the momentous return, included, Hon MacDonald Ebere,PhD, Imo APC Chairman,represented by the State Organizing Secretary, Hon Sunday Umeh, Hon Victor Osuigwe, Executive Chairman Owerri West LGA, Hon Osinachi Amako (No Vex)Vice Chairman of the LGA, Hon Victor Muruako, Chairman Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Abuja, and Hon Humphrey Uminnakwe APC Chairman Owerri West.
Others were ,Hon Onyekachi Ibezim, APC Owerri Municipal Chairman, and Chairman of APC LGA Chairmen, Hon Clarkson Ekeopara, APC Ihiagwa Ward Chairman, Dr Collins Anah, Hon Jefta Peters, Alhaji Emma. Emeana, Okenze Joseph Okoro and Hon Kenneth Mgbachi, President General Ihiagwa Ancient Kingdom.
Also present were, Hon Dan Ukwuoma, Hon Uche Muruako, Pharmacist Chidi Ajoku, Hon Okey Nnadi, Hon Ibe Nwaozuzu and Hon Eunice Onyenwe.
Speaking at the occasion, Hon Obulimba Ekeh, who represented the local government area in Imo State House of Assembly, from 2011 to 2015,was a Commissioner ,CGC, Culture & Traditional Affairs said the unending internal crisis rocking the Labour Party, and the great performance of Gov Hope Uzodinma, informed their return to APC.
He revealed that he was was not only a founding leader of APC in the ward and Owerri West LGA, but was also one of the financiers then, as attested to by the five different APC branded uniforms he produced and distributed for the growth of APC in the area. He wore one of it (as reminder) tothe occasion of the declaration.
The former Imo State Commissioner for Community Government Council, under the Ex-Gov Rochas Okorocha administration, disclosed that he left APC to support Distinguished Senator Onyewuchi in LP for the 2023 Senatorial elections, stressing that with the LP embroiled in intractable crisis and the return to APC of the lawmaker, coupled with Gov Hope Uzodinma’s outstanding performance, he thought it expedient to return to his original formidable platform,the APC
He expressed the hope that he and his supporters would be received with open arms by members of APC in the ward and Owerri West LGA, pointing out that he and his team are returning to the party to add value and contribute to its growth and development.
Hon Victor Muruako, in his own contribution, congratulated him and his supporters for coming back, adding that Hon Ekeh was one of those who received him in 2020 when he joined the APC. He stressed that party politics is a collective thing, which requires sacrifice and upholding of interests of the party, as against constant pursuit of personal interests.
He expressed happiness over the return of the ex lawmaker, pointing out that he’s coming will significantly lessen the burden in the ward, as he will now be helping in sustaining the party. He lauded Gov Uzodinma’s performance, especially in roads construction, one of which is the ongoing Naze/ Nekede/ Ihiagwa/Obinze Road.
The Chairman of Owerri West LGA, Hon Victor Osuigwe, described Hon Ekeh as a big political fish and an extraordinary asset who contributed immensely to the building of the party in the area, stressing that he’s returning to the party to add value. He lauded leaders and members of APC in the Ward for creating the conducive environment that facilitated the return of him & his followers, urging other wards in the council to emulate Ihiagwa Ward.
Hon MacDonald Ebere PhD, State Party Chairman, who was represented by the State Organizing Secretary, Hon Sunday Umeh, described Hon Ekeh as a man of humility, and lauded Ihiagwa Ward for opening its doors to receive him and his followers. He opined that the event has further demonstrated that the party remains well loved and one to beat by any Party.
He said the party stands for peace, progress and development,as can be seen in the Governor’s diligent implementation of the 3R people oriented policies and expressed happiness that the party boasts of capable leaders in the ward and LGA.