By Roland Ike, Abakaliki
The Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Chief Chidiebere Uzor Agwu has urged sister LGAs to assist the council produce its first senator for the Ebonyi south senatorial district.
The seat became vacant after the former occupant, Chief David Umahi resigned to assume office as Minister of Works.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed the bye-election for February 3, after Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the seat vacant.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi zoned the ticket to Onicha LGA citing the fact that it had not produced a senator for the district since 1999.
Agwu made the call for support on Wednesday during a reception for newly appointed LGA–Development Centre Coordinators from the Ohaozara, Onicha, Ivo (OHANIVO) political bloc of the senatorial district.
The council boss urged them to replicate the unity shown during the reception at the election to ensure that APC emerges victorious.
“I wish to thank the APC Ebonyi again for zoning the ticket to Onicha LGA and the OHANIVO stakeholders for identifying with the decision.
“This is the first time OHANIVO has celebrated its indigenes collectively and we seek that such spirit be carried towards the election.
“Onicha LGA will deliver the APC candidate 100 per cent and we implore that you do your bit as we did to others in the past”.
He noted that the party’s Candidate, Prof. Anthony Ani was a credible choice whose pedigree would ensure equitable representation of the district at the Senate.
“The level of acceptance for our son is unprecedented and the state governor has even voiced his support.
“We would embark on grassroots mobilisation of constituents to ensure that the party emerges victorious on Feb.3, 2024.
“APC has been accepted by Ebonyi people due to the legacies of Immediate Past Governor, Chief David Umahi and ably maintained by the incumbent, Chief Francis Nwifuru”.
Four out of five LGAs which make up the district except Onicha have produced senators since 1999 and include Ohaozara, Ivo, Afikpo North and Edda.
