By Adadareporters
Simon Okechukwu, former aide to Enugu’s ex-governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, recently declared his intention to run for the chairmanship of Uzo-Uwani LGA.
He cited equity, competence and passion to serve his people as his motivating factors. Below is his address to the stakeholders of the council:
“My very beloved brothers and sisters,
I appreciate some of your responses to my declarations for the chairmanship position of Uzo-Uwani LGA. Some have asked me to give in brief how the position has been rotating across the four development centres of Uzo-Uwani.
“From 1999 to 2004, the Igbo-Ano had produced the chairman in the person of Chief DNK Okweli, by election. Between 2004 to 2008, the Ogboli Zone produced in the person of Hon Prince Richard Egwuma as the transition chairman of Uzo-Uwani by appointment.
“From 2008 to 2012, the Ogboli Development Centre first produced the chairman of the council in the person of Hon James Ikechukwu Ademu for two terms(4 years), by election. Between 2012 to 2016, the Mbanano had produced the chairman in the person of Chief Cornel Onwubuya (4 years), by election. Between 2016-2017, he was later appointed as the transition chairman, from Mbanano Zone.
“Between 2017-2019, the administration of the former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi jumped Adada, and nominated Barr Fidelis Ani, and he restarted to produce the second round, from the same Igbo-ano zone, by election. In January, 2019-December, 2019, Adada Zone was appointed the transition chairman in the person of Dr Barh Ezugwu.
“And in February, 2022-date, Hon Chukwudi Celestine Nnadozie, from Ogboli Development Centre, was elected following the second round rotation but Adada was ignored because they produced senator that represented Igbo-Nsukka between 2015-2023.
“This particular action by the former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi tried to weaken the already existing order and good governance which has not only distanced the opposition parties but rendered them impotent, unproductive and unattractive.
“It is my belief that there are several others very much qualified, who are experienced bureaucrats, political scientists, lawyers, doctors, engineers, professors, and it could be anyone from Adada who shall emerge as the chairman, based on Balance of Convenience Equity and Justice.
“I humbly appeal and suggest for you also to consider Adada Zone for the forthcoming transition chairman. This is because we have worked for it in the last elections. If one cannot get justice in a deserving cases from our people and government, we may not get it from the Almighty God because you are the agent of God in Enugu State, today (Roman 13:4).”
