Enugu North Bye-Election: Ossai, Utazi Rally Support for Ikeje Asogwa, List Key Development Priorities for Uzo-Uwani
The Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ossai, has underscored the importance of effective law-making and quality representation as the twin pillars of legislative responsibility, urging voters in Enugu North Senatorial District to elect leaders capable of translating democratic mandates into tangible development.
Ossai spoke at a well-attended campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Ukpabi-Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, ahead of next Saturday’s senatorial bye-election, where the party’s candidate, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, formally presented his agenda to the people.
Addressing party supporters and stakeholders, the Deputy Governor maintained that the role of a senator extends beyond participation in legislative debates to active advocacy for projects and programmes capable of improving the welfare of constituents.
According to him, “The legislative mandate rests fundamentally on two responsibilities: making laws and providing effective representation. A senator must not only initiate and support laws that improve the lives of citizens but must also ensure that critical projects and interventions beneficial to his constituency are captured in national budgets and implemented.”
He noted that the forthcoming bye-election presents an opportunity for the people of Enugu North to strengthen their voice at the National Assembly through a representative committed to development-oriented legislation and strategic engagement with relevant federal institutions.
Also speaking, former Senator representing Enugu North Senatorial District, Chief Chukwuka Utazi, expressed confidence in the capacity of Chief Asogwa to attract meaningful development to the zone.
Utazi recalled some of the major projects he championed during his tenure and urged the electorate to sustain the push for their completion.
“Ikeje Asogwa possesses the administrative experience, temperament and commitment required to effectively represent our people. The next senator must leverage the office to accelerate the completion of critical projects that are central to the economic future of Enugu North,” he said.
The former lawmaker identified the Adada Dam Project, the Adarice Irrigation Scheme, the federal highway linking Nsukka, Adani and Anambra State, as well as the Federal Medical Centre, Obukpa in Nsukka local government area, as strategic projects requiring sustained legislative attention and federal support.
He described the projects as transformational initiatives capable of boosting agricultural productivity, healthcare delivery, transportation and overall socio-economic development within the district.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Ikeje Asogwa Campaign Organisation and Political Adviser to Governor Peter Mbah, Chief Peter Okonkwo, described Uzo-Uwani as a critical political bloc within Enugu North and expressed optimism that the area would once again demonstrate its tradition of political cohesion.
According to Okonkwo, “Uzo-Uwani has consistently stood firmly with the government and remains one of the strongest pillars of political stability in the district. While appreciable development has reached the area, the people deserve even greater dividends of democracy in recognition of their loyalty and contributions to the progress of the state.”
He commended Governor Peter Mbah’s administration for extending developmental initiatives to the area while calling for continued support for the APC and its candidates.
The Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Chijioke Ezugwu, praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for grassroots development and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders.
Ezugwu assured party leaders that the people of the council area would remain united behind the APC in the forthcoming elections.
“Our people appreciate the developmental vision of the present administration and will continue to support policies and candidates that advance the collective interests of the district and the state. We are prepared to mobilise massively for victory in the bye-election,” he stated.
Receiving the endorsement of party supporters, APC senatorial candidate Chief Ikeje Asogwa thanked residents for the overwhelming reception accorded him and pledged to prioritise the developmental needs of Uzo-Uwani and the wider senatorial district.
“I am deeply encouraged by the confidence and support shown by our people. If elected, I will work tirelessly to ensure that the development aspirations of Uzo-Uwani and every part of Enugu North receive the attention they deserve. My commitment is to effective representation that delivers measurable results,” Asogwa assured.
The rally drew a large gathering of party faithful from the sixteen electoral wards of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area and featured the presence of prominent political figures, including former council chairmen Chief Daniel Okweli, Chief James Ademu and Chief Richard Egwuma; APC candidate for Igboetiti/Uzo-Uwani Federal Constituency, Dr Cornell Onwubuya; former commissioner in the state, Dr Matthew Idu; APC State Secretary, Chukwudi Nnadozie; former House of Representatives aspirant, Prince-Henry Hart Ucheonwu, former SSA to Enugu State Governor, Sir Vitalis Okonkwo; Secretary to the local government, Casmir Ademu, with the Special Adviser/Head of Operations of the campaign team, Dr Barth Ezugwu and the local government coordinator of the team, Vincent Diugwu, among others putting things together for the event.
The event was marked by enthusiastic displays of support, with party leaders expressing confidence that the APC would record a strong showing in the forthcoming senatorial bye-election.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
