Make good use of your voting strength:  Okafor tells Egbuoma autonomous community

The people of Egbuoma Autonomous Community in Oguta local government area of Imo state has been advised to make judicious use of their voting strength to reposition the area for more government presences.

Addressing an association of elders called ” Concerned Citizens of Egbuoma ancient Kingdom” who called on him in his office at state secretariat Owerri, the Honourable Commissioner state ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence Prince Dr Henry Uzo Okafor highlighted on the benefits of massive electoral votes, advising the people of Egbuoma to re-strategize their  political approaches for attraction   of more economic development projects to the area .

According to Dr Okafor Egbuoma is one of the ancient communities in Oguta local government  with a high population density capable of giving about 80% votes in national and state elections, urging them to think outside the box.

In his words, ” take a reprisal on how you play  politics, we are APC, don’t vote a person you know that will not win because of sentiments. Be in the right political party; politics is a calculation, don’t play it with emotions…he said” .

Okafor explained that Governor Hope Uzodimma led Administration has demonstrated concern about the welfare of Egbuoma  Community in political appointments, development projects and Security matters and will continue to prioritize their concerns.

It would be recalled that Oboakwu Egbuoma road was added in the Budget by the state government through Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and that of the state Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence ministry.

Okafor  however asserted that realistic expectations as regard to more appointment of Egbuoma sons and daughters into public political offices by government, revolves much on their readiness towards maintaining the already existing peace and order in their community, urging them to take a pragmatic approach with deep understanding of the factors which government may puts in consideration before taking decisions on political appointments and investments.

According to Dr Okafor security is every body’s business, and added that Egbuoma had enjoyed peace and improved security before and after Christmas in recent years.

He charged them to spread the truth and right information to their people abroad, to come back home and make investments.

He also enjoined them to talk to those with questionable character and those that indulges in militant activities in the community to surrender their weapons and desist from dirty activities that could bridge peace and break laws.

Okafor further explained that his ministry Niger Delta Affairs and Intelligence is saddled with the responsibilities of creating enabling ground for amnesty and disclosed that government  of governor Hope Uzodimma has granted pardon and rehabilitation to  many youths of Niger Delta regions who genuinely repented and surrendered their guns.

He however, commended the efforts of  the Concerned Citizens of Egbuoma ancient Kingdom for rising up to the challenges, to counter cheap blackmails, propaganda against their sons in positions of authority , in addition to false alarms that rises tensions in the area, identified these as a discouragement to government and investors.

Earlier in an address to the government presented by the leader of the delegation and a member of the Concerned Citizens of Egbuoma ancient Kingdom Hon, Nkeonye Okeke expressed  gratitude to the governor for  adding Oboakwu Egbuoma road in the budget and for recognizing Egbuoma among Imo state’s oil producing communities, noting the guesture as hope rising that has accorded them  a sense of belonging.

Hon. Okeke however, recounted on deplorable conditions of road network in the area, especially roads connecting Egbuoma and neighbouring communities which have  adversely affected transportation of goods and services, appealed to government for urgent intervention and rehabilitation of the roads,  educational other social facilities in the area.

He also, lamented over unstable power supply in the community and lack of street lights that posses difficult challenges especially at night requesting for the installation of solar-powered street lights on Egbuoma major roads, market squares and public institutions to improve security and further boost commercial activities in the area.

Adding his voice, the immediate past president general of Egbuoma Community Mr Linus Chinyerenwa explained  the objective of the association which include: to foster peace and cordial relationship among them and their neighbouring communities which includes Ossemotor ,uli, Ozara, Ohakpu, udionyemaobi and Oguta Amaeshi, and pleaded to Dr Okafor to forgive those slandering the images of their sons that are holding  notable public offices in the state and nation at large  and to also continue his good works of dispute resolutions and reconciliation.

He mandated the commissioner to ensure settlement and return of peace among Umuezeala and Ossemotor.

In a similar development at the office of the state ALGON chairman and commissioner for chieftaincy affairs Hon Mrs Ruby Emele; the Concerned Citizens of Egbuoma made a request to the state governor Hope Uzodimma asking for a qualified Eze that can handle the affairs of Egbuoma Community.

Hon Nkeonye Okeke who announced the request on behalf of the association stated that absences of Eze in Egbuoma community has created a vacuum that gives rise to tensions that might lead to crises in the area if not checked.

In response, the Honourable Commissioner for chieftaincy affairs Mrs Ruby Emele thanked the Concerned Citizens of Egbuoma ancient Kingdom for deeming it worthy to call on her office, reassuring them  government commitment in looking into their plight  and would ensure that Egbuoma have Eze at the appropriate time.