By Ugonna Anejionu:
The member of the Imo State House of Assembly representing Aboh Mbaise state constituency, Hon Eddy Obinna (Ochoudo), has demonstrated in no unmistakable way that he is strong member of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and advocate for a second term election of Governor Hope Uzodimma in the upcoming governorship election in the state, November 11. 2023.
At the 14th Mbaise 2023 Convention held in Dallas, Texas in the United States of America, Obinna who is presently, the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, is reported to have vigorously canvassed for the re-election of Governor Uzodimma on the floor of the convention
The convention started on the 5th of July and ended on the 9th of July, at Westin Hotel, Dallas.Hooog
Obinna told Verbatim magazine in an interview ,when he returned to Nigeria that he found the convention a good opportunity to campaign for Governor Uzodimma because he is convinced that the governor deserves a second term and will serve Imo People better than he has done in his first tenure and that Mbaise people will be better for it.
Verbatim learnt that while addressing his people at the convention, Obinna who is serving a second term in the state assembly thanked the entire people of Aboh Mbaise for supporting him for a second term.
He also appreciated other Mbaise people from from Ahiazu and Ezinihitte local government areas, for their love and encouragement which he said compel him to move pro-Mbaise motions in the state assembly.
Hon Obinna is reported to have been warmly received by the entire Mbaise people at the convention, and for this, he told Verbatim that he is encouraged to ensure that critical Mbaise interests are protected in his capacity as an honorable member and as the Deputy chief whip of the state assembly.
In his address during the convention, Hon Obinna said “I am indeed humbled and grateful to all the people of Aboh Mbaise for their support and confidence in me. As your legislator, I assure you that I will not let you down. I will do everything in my capacity to make laws that will bring development and improve the dignity of the lives of our people. I am working very closely with our transformational governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma and the leadership of the state assembly to ensure that our people get the democratic dividends of the present administration”.
He used the occasion to enumerate and take stock of his achievements in the areas of security, education, health, youth, infrastructural development and promised that it will only get better. According to him, “I have worked with key stakeholders to ensure that Mbaise is secured. Today, Mbaise LGAs are the safest in the state. I have empowered many sons and daughters of Aboh Mbaise in the last four years. On roads, I sponsored the motion for the rehabilitation of the Owerri-Umuahia road and am glad to say that His Excellency has awarded construction for the rehabilitation of that important road. His Excellency, Gov Uzodimma has also graciously put Aba branch – Ekwereazu – Aboh – Ngor okpala road in his plan and will soon commence work on the road”.
In the health sector, he said he moved a motion for the re accreditation of the school of nursing and midwifery Aboh which he said has started operations again as activities are going on, to the admiration of the entire Mbaise people.
He then called on Mbaises to support Governor Uzodimma for a second term as that will be of great benefit to the development of the Mbaise nation adding that the governor has huge regards and respect for the Mbaise nation.
In his reaction, a prominent son of Mbaise, Chief longinus Nnodim commended Hon Obinna emphasizing that it is the first time any Mbaise legislator has come to the United States and deemed it necessary to have a town hall meeting with his constituents in the diaspora.
He thanked the legislator for his humility and youth empowerment programmes stating that he has achieved more than his predecessors.
Mr Frank Nneji , Chairman of ABC transport Plc also praised Hon Obinna for working for his people and called on the people of Aboh Mbaise to rally round him to encourage him to do more. He advised him to work closely with the governor, adding that opposing the governor will not be in the interest of the Mbaise nation especially at this time.
In his own remark, Barrister Emma Njoku, another illustrious son of Mbaise and founder of Emma Njoku foundation said he is not surprised at the legislative achievements of Hon Obinna which he said has endeared him to the youths and the ordinary people.. Barr Njoku said, ” Honourable, you have endeared yourself to the ordinary citizens by the way you work to serve them. We will continue to support you as long as you do not disappoint us”,
Dr stan Ekezie, a politician from Sboh Mbaise , in his own remark described Hon Obinna as a son in whom Mbaise people are well pleased. Ekezie added that the governor’s harmonious working relationship with Hon Obinna is a show of his love and respect for the Mbaise nation. He added that the Mbaise nation will continue to support the governor who he called a performing governor for the rehabilitation of the Owerri-Umuahia road, emphasizing that the Mbaises still expect him to do more for them.
Others who spoke commended Hon Obinna for his moves to get the presently non-functional Girls secondary school at Ogbor Nguru back into the Imo state school system with a motion that he moved in 2019 adding that Mbaise expects him to facilitate the reopening of the school which they referred to as the only girls secondary school in the area and the pride of Aboh Mbaise.
Verbatim learnt that at the convention too, some of Mbaise sons and daughters came to apologize to Hon Obinna for not believing in him when he decamped from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress, describing that move as very smart and the saving grace for the Mbaise nation.
The convention is held annually to discuss core Mbaise socio political and cultural issues by Mbaise people in the diaspora..
The event also hosts select Mbaise people in Nigeria and other parts of the world who are often invited to participate in discussions.
Notable guests from Nigeria that graced this year’s convention include Barr Emma Njoku, multi billionaire philanthropist and founder of Emma Njoku foundation and Mr Frank Nneji, chairman of ABC transport Plc , Rowland Okorie, CEO of Equity Concepts, Ezeji Richard Abii , among others.
