Members of Ukpe Anioma at the event
Worried by the disunity among its fold, Ukpe Anioma, an association of progressive leaders in Delta North senatorial district of Delta State have vowed not to allow anyone to throw spanners that could derail the overall development of their people.
Determined to put its acts together to achieve set goals, the leaders on Sunday, 10th April, 2022, met at Agbor, lka North East LGA, at an enlarged meeting conveyed by Chief Alex lkpeazu, National Coordinator, Ukpe Anioma All Progressive Congress, (APC), grassroots leaders.
The meeting was well attended by leaders from the nine LGAs of Aniocha South, Aniocha North, lka North East, lka South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South and Ukwuani LGAs that make up Delta North while the major discussion was centered around Senator Ovie Omo-Agege Governorship declaration slated for 14th April, 2022 and massive mobilisation to achieve the ambition.
In his opening speech, lkpeazu thanked everyone present for the show of love, solidarity, urging leaders present to drum maximum support, mobilize enmass for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege so that the benefits of democracy can get to every family in the district.
While accepting the challenge reposed on him, he further emphasised that the party was ready to cushion the effect of the grievances, and that Omo Agege is the only ship visible to carry them to government house, Asaba, in 2023 just as he propelled the leaders to support their ward, LGA and senatorial and state chairmen adequately for effective mobilisation across Delta north communities.
“Omo Agege is kind hearted, strong, he has the capacity to lead us and will carry everybody along. Despite all the challenges, we shall support Omo Agege. Let us take immediate step for the recognition of the various leaders in the wards, LGAs, senatorial and state levels” lkpeazu pleaded.
Contributing, Ogbuefi Adizue Eluaka, senatorial chairman, advised everyone stop lamenting over the old or new members but to work tirelessly to make the APC a ruling party in the state just as he said agitation will not give power on a platter of gold but what the members can do to win election.
“We need to get goal getter as an aspirant and candidate. There are complaints everywhere, we should stop complaining. We should welcome new members. APC is very fortunate to have someone like Omo Agege”
After the meeting, lkpeazu read out the resolutions reached that there has not been perfect party primaries in our political system, as potential candidates struggle to take control of the party structures, which has led to avoidable disenfranchisement amongst party leaders and has ultimately led to abysmal performance at general elections.
“Ukpe Anioma and its teeming followers across Anioma will support Ovie Omo-Agege for Delta State Governor 2023, that there is need for all stakeholders to close ranks and support our most promising candidate for Delta Governor come 2023 in the person of the Deputy Senate President-Omo-Agege.
“That in the spirit of unification, we call on Ovie Omo-Agege, the state party chairman and national party leaders to do whatever it takes to integrate, recognise and accommodate aggrieved leaders across the state into the party mainstream in their various LGA to give them sense of belonging so that we can go into the 2023 elections with a united zeal.
“That all members of Ukpe Anioma across Delta North should mobilise and attend the declaration of Senator Omo-Agege for Governor at Warri on Thursday 14th April 2022.
Some leaders who spoke said they believe in the party, ready to forgive and forget the outcome of the primaries that informed the grievances, however said they want their grievances to be looked into, harmonised list before the election while nobody especially the old members, should be sidelined.
Highpoint of the meeting was a vote of confidence on the leadership of Ikpeazu, the declaration of intention by aspirants to run for both national and state assembly seats while a motion was moved by Apostle Sunny Iyere calling on Omo Agege to run for Governorship seat and was seconded by Chief Emina, woman leader.
Other leaders at the meeting were: Engr Soeze, Barr Azubuike Dike, Dr Emeka Okolie, Chief Mrs Emina, (woman leader), Chief M. Mosindi (Oza of Onitcha-Ugbo), Gen Ben Lion Heart, Chief Joe Nwaoyor, Doris Ayo, Isioma Onyibe, Emma Obanya, Chief Alfred Okoruwe, Apostle Sunny Iyere, IDE Dr Tony Nwaka, Dr Chris Ugoh, Chief Alfred Obuseh (Ebube Dike of Igbodo).
Others are Prof Osemene, Philip Kachikwu, Tony Bioseh, Barr Obuseh, Felix Ifemeni, Loius Isaenweife, Dr Pius Chiekweni, Apostle Victor Sorokwu, Victor Nwokoh, Engr Nwani, Sunday Awodibie, Hon Nathaniel Igunbor, Timothy Nwanze, Nwanuko Daniel, Paul Eboh, Keluwa Ngozi, Chis Osaji, Ifeanyi Okorugbo, Stephen Okocha, Pastor Ikechukwu and many other leaders across Delta north senatorial district.