By Goddy Anyanwu
At last, the Mbutu Aboh Mbaise-born political maestro, the Jagaban of Aboh Mbaise politics, as well as acclaimed humble leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) extraction, Hon Chief lrechukwu Okereke (Onowu), has yielded to pressure by his good people of Aboh Mbaise and beyond to declare his interest to be the next Executive Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area in the September 21, 2024 Council elections in the State.
Answering the clarion call by his people, Hon Irechukwu Okereke who had last week purchased his Expression of interest and nomination forms upon making his interest known to the people of Aboh Mbaise through his Mbutu ward had weekend submitted his forms to the APC Secretariat, Okigwe road Owerri, after successfully filling the forms.
At the APC office, the political war-horse of Aboh Mbaise extraction had faced the Party's dutiful screening committee and came out beaming with smiles, as he triumphantly received home by his admirers and supporters who had waited him patiently at his residence in Owerri, the State capital.
Onowu Gburugburu as this political heavyweight is fondly addressed by his people of Aboh Mbaise and beyond, when accosted by Journalists after his successful screening, informed the people that his reason for accepting the call to join the Chairmanship race for Aboh Mbaise Council Area was prompted by his desire to rewrite the political history of Aboh Mbaise Council .
It will be recalled that notable groups from Aboh Mbaise Council area and beyond had at various time recently mounted pressure on Hon Chief lrechukwu Okereke (Onowu) to join the Chairmanship race of Aboh Mbaise Council area, for the September 21, 2024 proposed Local Government elections in the State.
The different calls had followed similar calls from various political and non-political groups for the front line aspirant to throw his hat into the ring for the September 21, 2024 lmo Council showdown.The former Mbutu Ward Councillor and Aboh Mbaise APC Chieftain, had earlier said he would consult his families, friends and party leadership before arriving at a decision.
Recall also, Hon Irechukwu Okereke had anchored
Mbaise Youth Congress for Senator Hope Uzodimma (MYC), Aboh Mbaise chapter, an umbrella body that delivered Governor Hope Uzodimma 100% during the last November 11, 2023 Governorship election in the State (made up of vibrant youths of Mbaise extraction, Aboh Mbaise chapter), as well as other groups in the area.They had jointly urged the Aboh Mbaise JAGABAN to respond to the clamour by declaring his intention to contest for the position of Chairmanship of Aboh Mbaise Council area.
Also top political leaders in the area in their various messages had beckoned on Chief lrechukwu Okereke to avail the Council of his great wealth of experience, even as a former Councillor of his electoral ward and as an exposed political leader, also given his uncommon leadership acumen, to contest the 2024 lmo State Local Government Election.
A cross section of the leadership of these notable groups said, the idea to beckon on the APC chieftain, Hon Irechukwu Okereke further stemmed from his antecedents and accomplishments recorded by him on the socio-political landscape of Aboh Mbaise Council area, ranging from his standing as a National political player, a former Councillor as well as a celebrated political leader.
They said they reflected deeply on the outstanding leadership qualities, personal attributes and antecedents of Chief lrechukwu Okereke as a man with the attributes of hardwork, immense vision, rich experience and striking intelligence.They further observed Chief Okereke's networks of vital contacts, sense of equity, justice and fairness with high regard for the rule of law, as well as sense of comportment as a community leader.
They believed also that Onowu as a bridge builder will ensure Aboh Mbaise people come together irrespective of party affiliation, to form a common front to turn things around in the area.They had also described Onowu as an uncommon manager of resources and a seasoned administrator whose services are needed at the Council area as an elected Chairman to help drive the good policies of 3R administration of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma to the grassroots in the next few years.
The group leaders vouched for Chief Okereke over his capacity and the political will to institute a new concept of leadership and practically replicate the developmental strides of Senator Hope Uzodimma in Aboh Mbaise.They did not doubt that the kind of representation rendered by Hon Irechukwu Okereke for the people of Mbutu ward during his time as a Councillor and his role as Party leader which has been remarkably impactful will be replicated as a Council boss.
The groups on behalf of many others, including those in diaspora as well as numerous supporters and admirers of Okereke, therefore are very much happy that Onowu has finally and formally announced his acceptance to the numerous calls to contest for the highest political seat in Aboh Mbaise, ahead of the September 21, 2024 Council polls; as they have vowed to join hands with him to make the dream of REWRITING THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF ABOH MBAISE a reality, while assuring that they will always support the 3R mantra of Governor Hope Uzodimma at all times.
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