It was a show of appreciation for past services to his people and unprecedented act of solidarity as the Leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, Stakeholders, Members as well as friends and well wishers gathered at Obuohia Obi-Ibere, Ikwuano LGA of Abia State Country home of the Member Representing South East on the Board of North East Development Commission, NEDC, Rt Hon Sir Sam Onuigbo for his declaration to contest for the Abia Central Senatorial District ticket.
The event which kicked off with speeches from Ward, Local, Government, State Leadership of the party, the Academia and Students bodies, saw the speakers testifying to the humility, honesty, transparency and accessibility of Hon Sir Onuigbo while he served as a two time member of the House of Representatives from 2015 – 2023, describing him as a silent achiever whose interest is to serve the people.
In his speech, the Abia State Chairman of APC, Hon Chief Chijioke Chukwu who pointed out that he values and respects Hon Onuigbo for what he stands for made it clear that he takes his declaration for the Senatorial job and called on the supporters of the former Reports in Abia Central to campaign vigorously for his victory.
“I have value for Rt Hon Onuigbo. I have high respects for him and Ikwuano people. I take his declaration personal,” he emphasized.
Hon Chief Chukwu while noting that Ikwuano LGA also has other contestants reminded those contesting that party candidates would emerge through consensus and charged them to be prepared to support those that become the flag bearers.
In their speeches, Prof Ihedinihu of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, MOUAU, and Comrade Frank Eme Orji of Renewed Hope on Campus, recalled with nostalgia the efforts and time put in by Hon Onuigbo in securing the restoration of MOUAU management courses delisted years back, and described him as an impactful voice that must be supported by all to go to the Red Chamber.
For the leadership of the party at the Ward and Local Governments levels as well as notable Women leaders, the leadership and service style of Hon Sir Onuigbo is quite uncommon among the contemporary Nigerian politicians and vowed to do all within their powers to mobilize other party members in the zone to support this selfless leader.
Presenting himself before the elated audience, Hon Sir Onuigbo made it clear that he is in leadership to impact on the masses and warned both party members and the people to beware of seasonal politicians whose stock-in-trade is to come around in flashy cars each election year to seek the mandate of the people and vanish at the end .
“Identify with politicians that make impactful touch on people. Look very well before deciding on whom to choose as your Leaders,” he advised.
The two-time Representative for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency who enumerated his attainments in the areas of Renovation of schools, scholarships, rural electrification, Empowerment and skills acquisition, Roads, ongoing construction new federal Secretariat at Ekeoba Ohuhu, Umuahia North among others, called on members of the party to identify more with his ambition by campaigning for his nomination.
“By declaring for the Senate contest, I wish to assure you, my people; that I will always reflect humility, integrity, honour and diligence in the work of representing you. I have shown myself a good ambassador to our community, state and people by the string of excellence record of achievements in my previous assignments.
“For instance, today, the singular signature legislation that catapulted Nigeria into global reckoning in sustainability was sponsored by me, your son. As a result of that unique achievement, many domestic and international organisations have recognized me with various honours and awards.
“I say these with every sense of modesty, but most importantly to put it on record that the mandate I seek as your Senator is not for selfish aggrandizement.
Rather, I feel elated that I am not only doubly qualified to serve our zone as Senator, but also confident to bring you honour and accomplished representation.
” I am bold to say that my journey to the Nigerian Senate is to invest my rich experience and reflect hope as enacapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the former Rep pointed out.
Recalling how he grew from obscurity to prominence, Hon Sir Onuigbo called on all to be confident that they will, with hard work and God’s grace make it in life and commended the party for nominating him to contest for the same position in 2023.
“I have continued to engage and network in issues of national and international importance to buttress the fact that I possess the strong voice to represent Abia Central Senatorial Zone in the Red Chamber come June, 2027.
“My excellent people of Abia Central, while the coming election season provides opportunity for many individuals to show up in search of your mandate, please do well to base your consideration on proven track records on personal integrity and sense of responsible performance.
“If supported to represent our zone in the Senate, I will ensure that every ward, state constituency and local government will serve as fulcrum of representation through a seamless constituency consultation strategy, Onuigbo assured.
He congratulated the new State chairman of APC Chief Chukwu on his emergence and wished him a successful tenure.
