It was a very rare gathering in modern political behavior within the country as Community, women and youth Leaders from Ohuhu clan in Umuahia North London poured into the Umuahia residence of a Former Member that represented Ikwuano/ Umuahia North/ Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Chief Sam Onuigbo for a historic visit.
Speaker after Speaker, from the representatives of the two Royal Fathers to women and youths from the two units of the clan (Okaiuga and Umuhu) delivered messages of appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the commencement of the federal Secretariat project at Ekeoba, Ohuhu and Chief Onuigbo who is now the South East Representative on the Board of North East Development Commission for attracting and persistently working for take off of the project
In their speeches, High Chief Onyekachi Ogbuja representing Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna and Chief Ebenezer Okechukwu for Eze Charles Ngwuli described Chief Onuigbo’s efforts in realizing the final commencement of the project as legendary and appealed to him not to relent in ensuring its timely completion.
Expressing their feelings, Mrs Chioma Josephine Orisa and Mrs Nwakanma Anayochi described Rep Onuigbo as a Leader whose interest is on the development of society and appealed to him to end the protection of the host Community’s rights and privileges.
Baring his mind a Youth Leader, Comrade Chikezie Uchechukwu noted the project would yield job opportunities and called on Chief Onuigbo to ensure that Youths from the area benefit from such .
In his introductory remarks, a renowned social Critic and Politician, Chief Chinedum Obilor pointed out that the visit has no political colouration but a way of appreciating one who worked and is still working tirelessly for the good of his people.
Chief Obilor popularly known as Fayose of Ohuhu land made it clear that the services rendered by the former member of the House of Representatives while could only be likened to that of the Legendary Dr Michael Okpara and enjoined the political clad to learn to be service oriented.
Responding to the out pours of emotions, Chief Sam Onuigbo thanked the people of Ohuhu for this rare gesture and assured that he will not relent in pursuing the public good.
“Your reason for visiting me today is borne out of your desires to recognize my little but relevant steps taken to bring infrastructural development by my asking for and getting the required approval for the construction of a brand new Federal Secretariat in your community while I represented the good people of great Ikwuano/ Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
“This historic journey could be traced to the concerns I raised as a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Housing on the 23rd October 2019 regarding the absence of a Federal Secretariat in Abia State when the then Minister of Works and Housing, His Excellency Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) appeared before it during a committee sitting. Being provoked by this irritating situation which has been bothering me, I sought an explanation to why Abia was denied this all-important share despite the fact that most states younger than her already had theirs.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it was in the course of explaining the situation that, His Excellency , Babatunde Raji Fashola stunned me and other Committee Members with the information that a parcel of land earlier donated by the State government for the project was encroached upon and challenged me to make Abia State Government to provide an alternative location, vowing to realize it.
” I urgently pursued this through a letter dated 23/10/2019 and visits to the then Governor, His Excellency Dr Okezie Ikpeazu who secured the current site at Ekeoba but could not conclude the issue of title documents and payment of compensation to the land owners.
“Being resolute and resilient in ensuring that my State and particularly, my Constituency enjoys this dividend, I continued pursuing it even as I left office leading to my consultations with the incumbent Governor, Dr Alex Otti on the 20th of June, 2023, (less than a month after he assumed office) who has graciously concluded the rites of compensation and the issuance of the title documents.
Indeed, I kept moving and lobbying relevant offices connected with the implementation of the project, and I’m grateful that today, equipment is being mounted and moved to the site,” the former Rep noted.
He used the forum to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his approval for the proper take off of the project, pointing out that it has once again shown the President’s desire to correct and address the obvious marginalization of the South East Zone in the country.
The member NEDC also commended Governor Alex Otti for providing the conducive atmosphere for the hitch free commencement of the project as well as the then Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola for his role.
” I cannot end my speech without wholeheartedly appreciating the Traditional Ruler of the host community, His Royal Highness, Eze Iheanyichukwu Nwokenna, the people of Ekeoba and the entire Ohuhu clan for their patriotism which has resulted in a conducive environment for the take-off of the project. At this juncture, I call on all of you to do everything within your strength to protect the project and also encourage the contractors to complete the project on time,” he challenged them.
While rededicating his to the service of humanity, Chief Onuigbo made it clear that he will continue assist in every way to ensure The realization of projects including Umuahia – Ikot Ekpene road and Ubakala – Umunwanwa – Udo – Achingali road, which were attracted during his stay in the House of Representatives.
