The recent wave of misinformation aimed at undermining Barr. Ugochukwu Ferdinand Ukwueze’s nomination as the frontrunner for the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) ticket in the Igboeze South local government area has stirred considerable controversy. It is crucial to set the record straight and shed light on the facts.
It is disheartening to see a barrage of falsehoods that seek to distort reality and overshadow the truth. The composition of Igboeze South, divided into four development centers previously recognized as part of the South East and South West zones, is often misunderstood.
Despite the establishment of these four development centers, the original political structures remain intact. Each zone has absorbed two of these centers: the EAST zone incorporates Ekete and the South-East development centers, while the WEST encompasses Udeze and the Central development centers.
In the aftermath of the recent general elections, imbalances emerged in many local governments across Enugu State. Currently, the old western zone boasts eight representatives in government, leaving the EAST with only the outgoing local government party chairmanship to show for itself.
Current Positions Held by Each Zone:
IGBOEZE SOUTH-WEST ZONE A (Udeze Development Center):
1. Senate – Okey Ezea
2. House of Assembly – Harrison Ogara
3. Commissioner – Hon. Sunday Ajogwu
4. Chairman, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe Agbaje
5. Vice Chairman, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe Oke
B (Central Development Center):
1. Member ESUT Board – Chief Engr. Ajibo
2. Patron 2, Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe H.I. Ezeh
3. Secretary, Igboeze South Traditional Rulers Council – HRH Igwe Prof. Omeje
IGBOEZE SOUTH-EAST ZONE A (South-East Development Center):
1. 1st Term Chairman, PDP Igboeze South – Hon. Princess Chinwendu Ogbonna
B (Ekete Development Center): Remarkably, this center has yet to secure any position since the dawn of this democratic era, whether at the Federal or State levels.
Given these dynamics, who better than Mr. Ukwueze, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Nsukka branch, and former Coordinating Chairman of Bars in Enugu State, to capture the party’s ticket? A seasoned lawyer, he has left an indelible mark on the national Executive Council of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Beyond his legal expertise, he is a successful real estate investor, agro-farmer, and a significant employer through his thriving schools in the state capital and Nsukka municipality. Additionally, he served as an aide to a former Governor of Enugu State.
Barr. Ukwueze’s impressive track record speaks volumes about his integrity and dedication—a devoted party member whose substantial contributions during the last elections are well-known. He was pivotal in funding numerous PDP campaign initiatives, including empowering one thousand less privileged widows and orphans with cash, vehicles, tricycles, and bags of rice emblazoned with the Governor’s picture—an event graced by Dr. Dan Shere, representing His Excellency at the time.
Moreover, he hosted a prominent campaign rally and dinner in honor of the Governor within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka community, attended by the current Chief of Staff, Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice, and HRH Igwe Okeke Arum. He co-funded the celebrated “A Date With Peter Mbah,” a youth-centric rally held at the IMT Campus in Enugu.
His nomination goes beyond mere representation of justice; it embodies integrity, vision, experience, empathy, excellent communication skills, accountability, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to service. Barr. Ugochukwu Ukwueze is exactly what Igboeze South needs at this pivotal moment.
Hon Uche Tochukwu Israel writes from Ibagwa
