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From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
The desire of the people to return to the National Assembly, Hon. Simon Chukwuememeka Atigwe, member representing Igbo-Eze North/ Udenu Federal Constituency in the House of representatives received a big boost on Sunday 27th March 2022 as major stakeholders in Ozzi , Igbo-Eze North 1 constituency unanimously endorsed him for a second tenure.
Ozzi General Assembly comprising Elders in –council, traditional rulers, party leaders, market leaders, serving and former political office holders, Town Union President Generals from Ozzi constituency who gathered at Ogrute community passed a vote of confidence on Atigwe and also agreed that he has shown capacity for effective representation and deserve a second tenure to continue in engendering the dividends of democracy and complementing efforts of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in developing the state.
Former Commissioner and former local government chairman, Hon. Emeka Ukwuaba who set the ball rolling described Ozzi people as kinsmen who loves each other and merry together to take decisions binding on them.
He warned those who peddle their selfish interests with the name of Ozzi to desist henceforth because Ozzi people are not errand boys or mercenaries.
Dismissing those promoting divisive tendencies between Ozzi and Umunano , he reminded them that it is customary for children to take permission from their fathers before taking any decision on their behalf .
He thanked those who responded to the clarion call and declared that Ozzi will stand for the person who goes for the collective interests of all instead of personal interests and that person is Atigwe.
SSA to the Enugu state governor, former council chairman and labour leader in Enugu state, Comrade Uwakwe Ezeja in a remark noted that Ozzi people speak with one solid, loud voice of togetherness after consolations.
He denounced politics of division and crisis which he noted has not paid them anything good and reiterated the need to support the incumbent member representing their federal constituency, Hon. Atigwe for a second tenure so he can become a ranking member in the House for more benefits for his people.
“Hon. Simon Atigwe has shown capacity and ability to deliver for his people. Let us groom a leader and support one person to rise instead of this pull-him-down-syndrome. Freshers have no say in the House and we should realize that this plan to throw up a challenger for Atigwe from Ozzi is the handiwork of APC to destabilise us. If we fight Umunano today, they will retaliate during our own turn but if we support them this time, they will also support us later” he said.
Another SSA to the Governor and former council Chairman, Nze Chidi Nwaomeh in his own speech denounced the activities of one time council chairman and former commissioner , Barr. Goddy Ogbo whom he accused of allegedly promoting division between Ozzi and Umunano and also playing politics of selfishness and nepotism.
He said that one tenure of an Ozzi man in the National Assembly this time was not tenable hence the need to support Atigwe from Umunano to go for another tenure.
A founding member of PDP in Igbo-Eze North and former LG Treasurer, Nze Simon Ossai condemned those fanning the embers of divisive politics between Ozzi and Umunano. He recalled that Udenu was in the House of Representatives for 12 years but Igbo-Eze North people did not kick against that and described it as a bad omen that some people within Ozzi in Igbo-Eze North are today working against a fellow Igbo –Eze North person occupying the position now.
Igwe Ogbonna Ekere of Ogrute kingdom who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers recalled that traditional rulers remains apolitical but they are often called upon to speak up when things are about going bad. He revealed that he has been receiving flaks of critics and attacks because of his stance that the right things should be done. He said that the right way for the people to go is to support Hon. Atigwe for a second tenure and nothing more.
“This people who want to stop a moving train, I’m still wondering the structures they will use for the election. All the people that matters in Ozzi are here and we are united in our support for Atigwe” he said.
Transport mogul and Chairman, Royal Mass Transit Ltd, Chief Mathew Adonu regretted that the culture of one tenure has not benefitted the people at all.
He said that Atigwe should complete another tenure for Umunano so that Ozzi people can take their turn whenever it returns to their zone again after Udenu. He confirmed that Atigwe has been touching lives of his constituents positively and should be supported to continue.
Nze Bernard Eze who spoke on behalf of the Elders- in –council and representatives of the 22 villages in Ozzi ancient kingdom said that the elders were in agreement that Atigwe’s representation has been well received so far while it is their decision that he should go for another tenure.
Igwe Cyril Ayogu of Umuopu community pointed out the need to teach and call back those straying away from the right path chosen by the Ozzi people noting that the peaceful coexistence of the federal constituency should not be truncated by some people who doesn’t mean well for the constituency.
Former Commissioner, Pastor Emeka Abugu , party chieftain, Festus Ayogu (Bravo) from Umuopu community and the leadership of Enugu Ezike Market Association (ENMTA) led by Chief Sunday Nwangwu also reiterated that they were all solidly behind Hon Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe for a second tenure.
Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Enugu North zone, Nze Mike Onyeze and PDP Chairman, Igbo-Eze North LGA, Chief Alex Urama noted that Atigwe is neither Umunano, Ozzi or Udenu in his representation since he has effectively carried everyone along without discrimination across board.
Deputy Chairman of Igbo-Eze North LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbu in summation said the decision to support Atigwe for a second tenure by the Ozzi people was borne out of his capacity, selfless service and inclusiveness in representation.
In all, the mammoth crowd that attended the meeting unanimously agreed that Hon Simon Chukwuemeka Atigwe has in the last three years of his stewardship in the green Chambers brought remarkable developments not only to the people Ozzi in particular but to the people of IgboEze North/Udenu federal constituency and thus has the endorsement of the good people of IgboEze North constituency 1 (Ozzi) for a second tenure.
They also pledged their unalloyed support to the Governor of Enugu state , Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Other dignitaries and personalities present during the meeting and added their voices included Nze Dennis Eze (Retired Permanent Enugu state), Hon Onyekachi Eya (former vice chairman IgboEze North, SSA to governor and DG Ejike Itodo/Ikechukwu Johnson Ogbu campaign organization, Chief James Ugwuoke (former Perm Sec, former chairman CSDP Enugu state). Chief Simeon Idoko (CASFORD) and Chief Edwin Ali (MD Eddy Oil LTD)
Others included . Hon Peter Ojobo, Alhaji Giwa (coordinating chairman PDP Ward chairmen Igbo Eze North) Hon Ogbonna Idoko ( Chairman Building materials Igbo -Eze North) Hon Ogwuche, .Hon Toochi Mama,. Hon Festus Adejo, Hon Romanus Eze, Hon Chukwuemeka Odo (Majority Leader of the council), Seven councillors from IgboEze North constituency 1 (Ozzi) PDP principal officers from Igbo -Eze North constituency 1 (Ozzi) led by Hon. Peter Ojobo, Alhaji Giwa the coordinating chairman of PDP ward chairmen Igbo -Eze North. Community President Generals (PG) of IgboEze North constituency 1 (Ozzi) led by Mr Okwu Onah (the coordinating chairman of PGs IgboEze North) and Mr Nwaoga his colleague.
Other Traditional Rulers present included Igwe James Idoko ( Onitsha Enugu autonomous community) , Igwe Patrick Okenyi (Umuoma Okpo autonomous community) Igwe Ambrose Eze (Ogbuebule) (Umuonu autonomous community) and Regent of Nkpunato autonomous community Chief Celestine Umoru.
