By Ifeoma Anokwuru
An All Progressives Party chieftain in Owerri municipal Local Government Area of Imo state,
Hon Usman Salees Abba popularly know as ‘Bala’ on Saturday, July 13th, declared his intention to run for councilorship position of Azuzi ward III , ahead of the Local Government elections scheduled to hold on Saturday 21st of September, 2024 .
Addressing the large gathering, Bala, noted that Azuzii Ward III being the most populated and important among the eleven wards in the municipality deserves the best person to represent it at the council as the home of all the ethnic groups in the country, including Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. According to him, the existing peace, unity and love in the area under his tenure would be strengthened, while addressing the developmental needs of the ward.
His words: “I am here to work for Azuzii Ward III and I am here to carry everyone along with the intention of moving the ward to a greater height. I have various projects to execute for Azuzii Ward III in line with our challenges. These projects included provision of water and community policing because we have problems at the mechanic village, New Market, West Ends and in some other areas. I have sat down to articulate these challenges with the resolve to address them.”
Hon Bala , appreciated those at the rally for their support and encouragement, he further assured them that other needs of the ward, including infrastructural and human empowerment would receive adequate attention. He disclosed his preparedness to work collaboratively with the council chairman and others to ensure that Azuzii Ward III gets its due share from the council for desired transformation, while urging them not to relent in their support for them to reap the benefits.
Reacting, the Owerri Municipal APC Chairman, Hon Onyekachi Ibezim, appreciated Hon Usman Abba (Bala) for making himself available to represent the area, added that the party is open for any aspirant to actualize his/her ambition. He maintained that the party has not endorsed any person among the aspirants seeking for nomination, positing that such responsibility lies with the APC members in the ward to choose a candidate of their choice, as he charged them to play by the rules.
Also speaking, Owerri Municipal chairmanship aspirant , Prince Evans Anozie, lauded Hon Bala for his decision to contest, he emphasized the importance of unity and progress in the party. He aligned with the position of Owerri Municipal APC chairman, Hon Ibezim about members choosing their candidate.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Bala Campaign Organization, Ismalah Ayo, noted that the large turnout at the event proved that Hon Usman Abba will have the people mandate , he expressed optimism that Hon Bala would emerge victorious at the APC primaries and the general elections. He promised to deliver the aspirant, while describing him as a good man who is generous and always concerned about the welfare of others. Mr. Ayo used the opportunity and advocated for transparency during the exercise.
Pledging support for Bala, Alhaji Audu Ajaara who led the Hausa Community to the declaration, said that Azuzii Ward III would experience transformation if the aspirant emerged victorious, urging all to support him. Others who spoke included, Hon Ambrose Nkwodimma, former Owerri Municipal SOLAD and APC chairman in the ward, Mr. Austin Ezeocha among others, while Alhaji Hamza Abdullahi, APC women leader, Mrs. Angelina Onukogu and others were part of the event.
