Charles S. Uzoukwu
Given the highs and lows, sacrifices and compromises, alliances and betrayals of Nigerian politics, it’s important to begin this analysis with this anonymous quote that speaks to the trust and perseverance of believers. “Disappoints are just God’s way of saying, ‘I’ve got something better. Be patient, live life, and have faith.’”
During the 2023 General Election when Smart Ihuoma contested the Abia State House of Assembly election under the platform of the Labour Party (LP) and was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but later lost his mandate in controversial circumstances, little did he know that a brighter opportunity awaited him. The widespread excitement that greeted his emergence as the LP candidate for Umuahia North LGA chair, after a keenly contested primaries was indicative of his acceptance by the people of Umuahia North, which constitutes two state constituencies. Reasons for such multiple endorsement in a broader political turf one year is not far-fetched.
In the last 17 months, the Labour Party under the visionary servant-leadership watch of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, Abia State has been physically, psychologically and politically transformed beyond every reasonable doubt. In a recent retreat at Aba for the executive and senior government appointees, Dr Otti stated: “To be clear, we have deliberately set the bar very high to insulate us from the trappings of mediocrity. We want to wake up each morning with a fresh resolve to do better: to work harder and to achieve more.
“The hunger to be the best had informed our pattern of appointments and the leverage given to each official to drive their strategic outlook in pursuance of the broad vision we had laid out at the beginning of this important project.”
Given such a pedigree of the present administration in the state, the governor will no doubt be pleased to work with characters like Ihuoma who has proven to be committed, loyal and honest to him and the party in general. And Hon Obi Aguocha, representing the Umuahia North, South and Ikwuano Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives extended his endorsement of Ihuoma’s candidature, whom he said, “is also the choice of the governor.
His words: “Smart Ihuoma has consistently proven himself as a dedicated ally, not only to this Rep, but to His Excellency, His Excellency, Dr Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), Executive Governor of Abia State. Smart shares in their vision of transparent, accountable, and progressive leadership. His dedication and steadfastness in service are the qualities that we are certain will drive excellence and strengthen the future administration of Umuahia North LGA.”
Fondly called Aku-oyi Ohuhu, Ihuoma, a committed family man, hails from Umuhu in Ohuhu Community of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia Central Senatorial District. The Managing Director/CEO of Gerald and Alex Ltd, Ihuoma is a graduate of business administration, with several years of working experience, cutting across banking, telecom, logistics and oil & gas sectors, before he founded the above company.
“As we embark on this new chapter, we encourage all stakeholders, party loyalists, and supporters in Umuahia North to unite in supporting Ihuoma’s journey to the leadership of the council. We will be honoured to join him on the campaign trails. Together, we can ensure that the Labour Party is effectively mobilised to campaign and deliver the needed victory at the polls,” Aguocha appealed.
In appreciation of his people and the party for the endorsement, the chairmanship candidate disclosed that in addition to the governor’s vision for the state, his manifesto includes: Education as the centerpiece of his administration, infrastructure, human capacity development, women and youth empowerment and provision of adequate security, even as he pledges healthy interaction with federal and state ministries and agencies.
Uzoukwu wrote in from Umuahia
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