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Communities give conditions to candidates for their votes

By Gordi Udeajah, Umuahia
21 January 2019   |   2:54 am
In a bid to commit candidates for elective offices to amelioration their plight, the people of Amano-Mbaugwu communities in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State have flaunted their voting strength, insisting that any politicians who wants their bloc votes must pledge ...

Casting of vote during a Nigerian election. Photo The Guardian

In a bid to commit candidates for elective offices to amelioration their plight, the people of Amano-Mbaugwu communities in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State have flaunted their voting strength, insisting that any politicians who wants their bloc votes must pledge to redress their underdevelopment and marginalization in the scheme of things. Amano-Mbaugwu, which comprises Agburuike Isiugwu, Avorh, Akano Amano, Akano Umuorie, Umuorie, Umuopara and Umuomei villages, noted that despite the fact that they have about 1, 000, 000 registered voters, they remain marginalized by successive administrations.

The communities spoke during a joint rally under the aegis of Amano-Mbaugwu Peoples Assembly, facilitated and organised by Chief Chibuzor Ngwakwe, a US-based President of Abia State National Association of North America (ASNA) for the adoption of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for re-election.

In his remarks, Ngwakwe explained that the “assembly was formed out of our love for our community and state and to fully participate in the political process of utilizing our votes for the benefits and privileges enshrined in our voting strength.”He said the communities consider it imperative to enjoy the benefits of democracy commensurate with their voting strength and extensive landmass, which he said, was well suited for any development in agriculture, education, and industry among others.

Ngwakwe recalled that either by error or omission, Amano-Mbaugwu has no commissioners, special advisers, council chairmen or deputies or involved in the leadership of any state government agencies.He declared: “Our roads, namely, Agburuke-Itungwa, Umuorie-Avorh and Amano-Akanu Umuorie, have not received attention, our only medical centre that was sponsored by private efforts with tremendous assistance from the Anglican Church.

“Our people are pained by this scenario despite our past voting patterns and we are poised to change that by voting for those who identify with our concerns and aspirations. We shall now cast our votes wisely for candidates that share our values and concerns by actions and real commitment and not by election time promises.”

Ngwakwe told Governor Ikpeazu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Christopher Enweremadu, that he has nonetheless performed admirably in enhancing the progress of the state and positioned it towards a bright future, adding: “We believe you have the capacity to address the plight of Amano-Mbaugwu hence we throw our total support for your re-election.”

Conveying the governor’s goodwill, Enweremadu commended the people for demanding for their democratic entitlements responsibly, maintaining that government’s policy is to give every constituent its fair due. He assured the communities that they would benefit more from the next batch of appointments among other perks.

The member representing the community in the State Assembly, Mr. Chidiebere Thomas Nkoro, said he would continue to draw government’s attention to their plight and needs, adding that he would strive to have them included in the state’s budget.

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