The “Greater Awgu” political block, comprising Aninri, Awgu and Oji River, has pleaded with the former deputy governorship candidate of Labour Party (LP), in 2023 general election, Dr John Nwokeabia, to contest for the Federal House of Representatives for Awgu/Aninri/Oji River Federal Constituency of Enugu State.
The Concerned Leaders from the federal constituency and other leaders fron the Enugu West senatorial zone and beyond, made the plea when they converged on the house of Nwokeabia on Sunday.
The visit included some political leaders representing different local government areas in the constituency; some key members of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Enugu State chapter; and some non-indigenes residing in Enugu State.
The group also announced a N10 million pledge for the NDC nomination form for Nwokeabia to enable him contest the election in 2027.
They appealed to Nwokeabia to contest the election in 2027 on the platform of NDC to rescue the people of the constituency from total collapse of federal infrastructures including roads across and to attract more federal presence in the area.
Speaking, Apostle Godwin Obasi, one of the leaders of the group, described their mission to Nwokeabia’s house as crucial and decisive.
Obasi, who is the Director of Contact and Mobilisation, NDC Enugu State, added that they came to him to appeal to him to rescue the people of the constituency.
“We are here to seek your consent to contest the 2027 election to represent Aninri/Awgu/Oji River federal constituency and rescue our people from bad representation.
“Our present representative is nothing to write home about; our people are crying; our people are bleeding; we are yearning for good leadership.
“These three local government areas are gathered here today to appeal to you to rise; we are pleading to you from the bottom of our hearts asking you to come and rescue us, ” he said.
Other speakers described Nwokeabia as God-sent and the only politician from the constitzency, who has the interest of the people at heart.
Hon. Messiah Aguocha, said that Nwokeabia had the capacity and the milk of human kindness to represent the people well in the lower legislative chamber.
He said: “We know that you will represent us well, because you are a man of integrity, humble and responsible.
“We want you to represent us because when you get to the national assembly the people will rejoice, ” he said.
Also speaking, the youth leader of Oduma, Aninri local government, Mr Agu Ogbonna, said that the youth and entire Aninri were ready to support and work for Nwokeabia’s election.
“Aninri in general are ready to support you. You are a kind hearted man. A man of the people, ” Agu said.
Responding, Dr Nwokeabia, said the visit was a clarion call by his people that cannot be ignored or wished away.
He said he was deeply touched by the visit, adding, “I have heard you and I assure you that your visit will not be in vain. “
He urged them to ensure that they have their permanent voter cards to enable them cast their votes in 2027.
