The candidate of the Labour Party in the November 11 governorship election in Imo State, Sen. Athan Achonu, on Saturday suffered a setback as no fewer than 1, 500 Obidient youths in the state dumped him for Governor Hope Uzodimma.
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Also on Saturday, the women from Okigwe Senatorial Zone, cutting across political parties, and support groups, held a solidarity rally for Governor Uzodimma ahead of his re-election.
The Okigwe rally was organised by women leaders in the 64 wards, particularly the Director General of NEPAD, Mrs Gloria Akobundu and the House of Representatives member for Okigwe North, Rt. Hon Mariam Onuoha among others.
The Obidient youths said Uzodimma had shown the capacity for leadership and has verifiable track records of better human relationships which his opponents gunning for the office of the Governor of Imo State do not have.
Marching through the major streets of Owerri on Saturday before they converged on the Okigwe Roundabout where they were received by Governor Uzodimma, the Obidient youths said that they had reserved their voters cards for Uzodimma and would use them accordingly to re elect him on November 11, 2023.
The leader of the group, Emeka Mandela who spoke for the rest of them assured the governor that the love he has for them, the way he has governed Imo State, his programmes, and support for the youths and more, were some of the reasons they decided to sink and swim with him till he gets reelected in November 11.
Uzodimma in his remarks thanked the Obidient youths for coming out in their numbers to support his aspiration based on their personal conviction of his performance.
The Governor said that his government recognises the place of the youths as future leaders of the country in general and Imo State in particular and assured that he will continue to partner with them in the interest of the society.
The Okigwe rally which was held at the Central School, Anara attracted key leaders from Okigwe zone, including the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe; Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; APC leader, Chief Tony Chukwu; the former House of Representatives member, Deacon Chike Okafor;the House of Assembly member representing Isiala Mbano; Hon Sam Osuji and former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emeka Nduka.
Others include, Chief (Mrs) Nkechi Mbonu, Chief Joe Frank Ijezie, Chief Ruby Emele, Chief Majority Emenike, Barr. Gerry Egemba, Lady Love Ineh, Comrade Simon Ebegbulem, Lady Blessing Nwoba, and numerous political appointees from Okigwe Zone.
In her welcome address, Mrs. Akobundu said the rally was a peace rally, targeting the distribution of palliatives and an activity that will bring all the leaders, sons and daughters of Okigwe together. She said the event was for them to resolve on how to appreciate Governor Uzodimma for the good things he is doing for Okigwe zone in particular and Imo State in general as November 11 beckons.
Mrs Akobundu therefore urged the women, men, and the youths to use their votes to further appreciate the Governor for all the good things Okigwe has benefited from him.