By Douglas Princemola
In a press conference held on July 23, 2024, at Mbaitoli Arena, key stakeholders and political figures from the Mbaitoli Local Government Area (LGA) under the APC of Imo State expressed their strong support for the Mbaitoli East Bloc to produce the next Local Government Council Chairman in the September 2024 elections.
Hon. Barr. Kingsley Ononuju, who led the event, emphasized the importance of equity and fairness, stating that it is Mbaitoli East’s rightful turn to hold this position. He underscored that the meeting held on July 15, 2024, at Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo’s residence, was aligned with Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma’s 3R Agenda, promoting fairness and inclusivity.
Ononuju addressed and dismissed recent claims from the “Mbaitoli South Political Bloc” that misrepresented the meeting’s resolutions. He clarified that the resolutions aimed at ensuring fair representation and not imposing any specific candidate, as alleged.
The historical context of political positions within Mbaitoli LGA reveals that Mbaitoli South currently holds the Deputy Governor’s office and has had various influential roles, while Mbaitoli North is represented by Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie in the State House of Assembly. Given this background, Ononuju argued, it is just and fair for Mbaitoli East to now have the opportunity to lead.
Ononuju called for unity among all APC members and stakeholders, urging them to support the resolution for Mbaitoli East to produce the next Chairman. He stressed the importance of rejecting divisive tactics and working together for the collective progress and equitable representation of every bloc in Mbaitoli.
In his concluding remarks, Ononuju reiterated the commitment to Governor Uzodimma’s vision of equitable development across Mbaitoli LGA. By supporting Mbaitoli East in the upcoming elections, the values of fairness and unity can be upheld, ensuring the success and well-being of the community.
Rt. Hon. Uche Nwole, a respected figure from Mbaitoli who formerly represented Mbaitoli & Ikeduru at the Federal House of Representatives, also emphasized the need for Mbaitoli East to assume the Local Government Council Executive Chairman role. The leaders collectively debunked accusations against Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, reaffirming that the time has come for Mbaitoli East to take on this significant responsibility.
WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE HELD BY MBAITOLI LEADERS AND STAKEHOLDERS ON TUESDAY 23 JULY, 2024 AT MBAITOLI ARENA ON THE FORTHCOMING LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTION
I have always been known for hitting the nail on the head on any issue that concerns the good and well-being of my people and the recent publication by a group of people against the general wellbeing of the people of Mbaitoli did not go down well with me as an individual and other concerned sons and daughters of Mbaitoli L.G.A.
The meeting which took place on July 15, 2024, at Chief Mercellinus Niemigbo’s residence brought together leaders and stakeholders from the twelve wards of Mbaitoli LGA under the All Progressive Congress (APC) banner,
The agenda was clear; to address crucial issues concerning the forthcoming Local Government Elections in Imo State, aiming to promote equity, justice, and fairness in line with the 3R Agenda of His Excellency, Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma, and the constitution of our great party.
While the intention was a noble one, it however appears to me and other well meaning sons and daughters of Mbaitoli, that certain individuals, likely driven by selfish motives, have chosen to misinterpret the noble intentions behind the resolutions reached by these esteemed leaders and stakeholders.
The recent publication by a handful of people who called themselves the Mbaitoli South Political Bloc, has come to the attention of illustrious sons and daughters, party stakeholders, and leaders across Mbaitoli, thereby necessitating this response.
It is very unfair to accuse a notable leader Chief Barr. Mercellinus Nlemigbo, in whose home the meeting was held, as clannish on the resolution reached by all our leaders and stakeholders, which was a clear cut effort towards ensuring peaceful coexistence without any form of marginalisation from any political bloc in Mbaitoli.
The accusations made against Chief Mercellinus Nlemigbo are baseless and a deliberate attempt to sow the seed of discord within our people.
If the meeting had been for anything other than the greater good and well- being of Ndi Mbaitoli, I would be the first to raise objection against it.
While these people are alleging marginalisation, it is worthy to note that the second highest position in Imo State, the office of the Deputy Governor, comes from the same Mbaitoli South which some misguided people are claiming to be marginalised.
How can Mbaitoll South be marginalised when our very able Deputy Governor of Imo State, my dear sister, Her Excellency Chinyere Ekomaru is from this political bloc? This is an office that comes with numerous offices and appointments that presently favours more of the people of Mbaitoli South.
Where then is the marginalisation? Where then is the clannishness?
The leaders and stakeholders of our great party also took into consideration that Mbaitoli North is currently occupying the second highest position in Mbaitoli being the position of the State House of Assembly member, which has our able brother Hon Innocent Ikpamezie overseeing affairs.
Where then is the marginalisation and clannishness when we ask that Mbaitoli East be allowed to produce the Local Government Chairman of Mbaitoli?
Where has Chief Marcon Niemigbo gone wrong by joining other leaders and stakeholders of our great party, to proffer a simple solution that benefits everybody, where nobody would claim he or she has been marginalised?
Wouldn’t it be regarded as sheer wickedness if Mbaitoli North or South should rise up to deny their brothers and sisters in Mbaitoli East the position of Chairman of the Local Government, despite holding two of the most powerful positions not just in the local government, but the state as a whole?
I am not from Mbaitoli East but for the sake of fairness and justice, a quality which I know His Excellency Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma embodies, I stand to be counted in the council of equity and justice when we resolved that our brothers and sister in Mbaitoli East are not left behind.
Historically, Mbaitoli South had never been marginalised as the convener of this group was at one time, a Sole Administrator of Mbaitoli and in that time, neither Mbaitoli North or East accused him of marginalisation. They also have held the position of the State Assembly two times among other positions such as sole administrators TC Chairmen amongst others.
Is it that they do not recognise the importance of the office of Deputy Governor of the State which they hold and which our darling sister have performed tremendously well in, that they would claim they are marginalised, despite having such a powerful position?
His Excellency Governor Hope Odidika Uzodimma is a man known to be firm and fair, which is why he spearheaded the call for equity in Imo State and knowing him, I am confident that he would not take sides in a situation where a few people are, for their own selfish reasons, are trying to bring disunity and rancour in Mbaitoli.
The resolution by the Leaders and Stakeholders of our party is only to serve as a guide to state the true position of things while every final decision on the matter is at the discretion of His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In the interest of peace and unity, I urge all party members and stakeholders to do away and distance themselves from agents of division and rancour and key into this noble resolution that is aimed to unite us and make us stronger.
These measures which we have proffered, are designed to ensure every political bloc in Mbaitoli is fairly represented and included in governance process,
These unfounded accusations and attempts to create disunity detrimental to our collective interest and progress and must be rejected for the good of the entire people of Mbaitoli.
In conclusion, I urge us all to stand united and firm, In-line with the visionary leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, as we work together with him to ensure that the APC continues to thrive and deliver equal development to all corners of Mbaitoli LGA.
We must reject the selfish agendas of a few and embrace the collective good of all our people in Mbaitoli.
Thank you.
Hon. Barr. Kingsley Ononuju
On behalf of Leaders and Mbaitoli stakeholders
Some of the positions Mbaitoli South sons have and are still occupying aside the office of Deputy Governor of Imo State includes:
Chief Calistus Ekenze Head of Service (Ubomiri)
Hon Chief Eugene Onyeji Ubomir
Late Chief O. Nwachukwu (Umunoha/Azara) elected Chairman
Chief Dr. Pat Nnah (Ogbaku)
Chief Barr Chris Nwabia (Umunoha/Azara)
Late Chief Chris Nwaike (Ifekala)
Hon Chief Stephen Odoemenem (Ubomiri)
Hon. Canice Ugo Mba (Ogbaku)
Chief Azubulle Nwoke (Ogbaku)
Hon John Ekeh (Ogbaku)
Prof Emma Duru – Commissioner (Ubomiri)
Chief Martin Ekeh – Commissioner (Ubomiri)
