Imo 2023: Ex-minister Leads Grassroots Mobilisation for Uzodimma 

Tony Icheku in Owerri

Nine days to the Imo governorship election, former Minister of State for Education, Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah, on Thursday mobilised people and residents of  Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state to a rally in support of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second term ambition.

At the rally, which was held at the LGA  Secretariat, Mmahu, Egbema, jubilating All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful adorned in the party’s colours and waving the broom symbols turned out in their numbers in a carnival mood.

Speaking at the rally, the former minister disclosed to the cheering crowd that Uzodimma means well for Ohaji/Egbema people and indeed Imo State citizens judging from the dividends of democracy he has delivered so far.

Delivering what could pass for the keynote address, the former minister reeled out the goodies Uzodimma has delivered to  Ohaji/Egbema including a brand new  General Hospital, consolidating on the development of Imo State-owned University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, (UAES), Umuagwo Ohaji.

Opiah further added that in the current era of  insecurity in some parts of the state, Ohaji/Egbema can be described as the “most peaceful LGA in Imo State”, and further noted that Uzodimma has given approval for repair of major roads in the local government plus the proposed dredging of Orashi River which will definitely uplift the economic status of the council area.

“Senator Hope Uzodimma is our own. He loves Ohaji/Egbema people and that is why he came up with the plan to dredge Orashi River that will open our area to business opportunities that will boost our economy and that of Imo State,” he said.

Opiah, who was visibly impressed by the mammoth crowd at the venue, added that the governor’s love for Ohaji/Egbema became manifested by his nomination for appointment as minister in former Muhammadu Buhari-led administration. 

He urged the people who came out to translate their support to votes on election day, adding that all hands must be on deck for APC to win. 

“Ohaji/Egbema is APC and APC is Ohaji/Egbema. A vote for Uzodimma is a vote for our son including me he nominated asinister. Today, we have a campus of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri at Abezi, Egbema courtesy of my stay as a federal minister and our able governor increased the number of universities in our area with UAES. If we give him another opportunity, he will do more. I can proudly say he has done more for us to vote for him again,” Opiah submitted. 

In his remarks, the Orlu Zonal Chairman of the APC from the LGA, Hon. Kelvin Ugwu, representing the APC state Working Committee, said that APC is one in the LGA under Opiah as the leader, adding that the party is serving the interest of the governor in the state.

The House of Assembly member representing Ohaji/Egbema State Constituency, Hon. Francis Uzoma Osuoha, who praised the leadership qualities of Opiah, disclosed that they are strongly behind the former minister to deliver  Uzodimma in Ohaji/Egbema come November 11.

The LGA party Chairman, Hon. Obioma Obasi, told members not to be swayed by the activities of some detractors by informing the members that the party remains one in Ohaji/Egbema under the leadership of Opiah and appealed to the people to rally round the APC structure in the LGA for success.

The party leaders present at the event included former Commissioner, Oby Ajoku (Ada Ohaji); Kelechi Mejuobi, media aide to Opiah; Hon. Goodluck Dioke, ISOPADEC Commissioner;  Hon. Cynthia Ijeoma Ofoduru; Prof Vita Nwulu; Hon. Justus Ojika; Dr (Mrs) Nina Nwulu; Mr. Tony Okanne and others.