Ogwuama autonomous community in Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise is delighted at the re-elections of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and House of Representatives member representing Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency, Nnanna Igbokwe.
Okorocha’s re-election points to the various developmental projects his administration has executed in the past four years, said a statement signed by representatives of the community leaders, Oguwike Nwachuku, Timothy Okorocha, and Thomas Ohaeri.
The Ogwuama Leaders of Thought listed the people-oriented programmes to include free education, roads, health, and a fourth-tier administration that has brought governance closer to the people.
The statement underlined the vision of Okorocha in moving the South East into mainstream politics via the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has helped a great deal in balancing Imo polity.
This, it enthused, will help make the state the bride that will attract federal presence to the South East.
“We have no doubt in our mind that [Okorocha’s] action, though vilified from the outset by a section of the people, has now been the stepping stone to power shifting to the region, culminating in the election of a Nigerian president of Igbo extraction in future,” the statement said.
The leaders of thought advised him to draw closer to the people of Mbaise, as electioneering is now over, in order to build a state that will be the envy of Nigerians.
They solicited more government presence in Ogwuama in particular and Mbaise in general, noting that although federal legislators from the state are in the opposition party, Okorocha should work with them to attract development because “a tree cannot make a forest.”
They felicitated with Igbokwe for “a victory well merited” and pledged that his constituency will support him with sound ideas to record more feats.
They, however, advised him to organise more town hall meetings to acquaint himself with the needs of the constituency.
The statement reminded Igbokwe that his constituency lacks motorable roads, pipe borne water, and stable electricity – all of which requires urgent attention.
“Gone are the days when the government or its officials are far away from the governed; as there must be a synergy between the two in order to fully tap the dividends of democracy,” it reiterated.
It drew Igbokwe’s attention to Ogwuama autonomous community where there is no tarred road, health centre, and living standards are low. “Developing the area must therefore not be compromised,” it advocated.
The statement expressed hope that Okorocha and Igbokwe in conjunction with the traditional ruler, Eze Sabby Nwaneche, would fashion out a development blueprint that would transform Ogwuama from a sleepy village into a town in the four years of their tenure.
It urged Okorocha to involve the people of the area in his administration.