…As Ex Enugu APC Chair, Nwoye Harp On Good Governance.
The constituents of the Enugu East senatorial district in Enugu State, southeastern Nigeria, including individuals with special needs, left with smiles on Sunday as they received various empowerment items from Senator Kelvin Chukwu, their representative in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.
During a vibrant event held at the Enugu campus of the University of Nigeria, UNEC, Senator Chukwu expressed his gratitude to the people for their faith in him and for granting him the mandate to represent them in the Senate.
He also thanked his senate colleagues and members of the House of Representatives for their overwhelming support throughout the program, which began with a Thanksgiving church service at the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu.
The Senator assured his constituents of his commitment to quality representation, promising not to let them down. He took the opportunity to highlight some of his achievements since taking office, including the sponsorship of various bills within the Senate.
Senator Chukwu acknowledged that, as a lawmaker, he lacks authority to initiate capital projects directly but vowed to attract constituency projects aimed at easing the struggles of his people. “What you see today is just the tip of the iceberg,” he said, adding that he has positively impacted the lives of many within his district since assuming office.
He pointed out the attraction of vital services such as electricity, healthcare, and road infrastructure for his constituents. The Senator urged those who had not yet benefited from the empowerment program to be patient, assuring them that support would eventually reach them all.
Earlier, during the church service, the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Calistus Onaga, condemned the alarming rise of politically motivated violence in the Southeast and urged those responsible to reconsider their actions. He praised Senator Chukwu for his empowerment initiative, encouraging beneficiaries to make the most of the items they received.
The Bishop warned that anyone involved in such heinous acts would face divine retribution, asserting that no one has the right to take a life that they did not create. He emphasized the importance of reconciliation and the need for everyone to adhere to the commandments of God, reminding the congregation that life is fleeting and accountability is inevitable.
“This is a time for reconciliation and returning to God. May He instill in us the strength to forgive, for though it is difficult, it is essential,” he said. “Our lives are brief, but to gain eternity, we must act justly. Beneficiaries should use these gifts wisely and help others in turn.”
At the item distribution at UNEC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, the event’s chairman expressed sorrow over the assassination of late Labour Party Senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu during the 2023 elections.
In his remark, the Chairman of the event and the former Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye who began his address with a moment of silence in memory of Oyibo Chukwu-Labour Party Senatorial candidate Oyibo Chukwu during the 2023 elections who was assassinated, characterized the empowerment initiative as a true embodiment of democratic action.
“I am here to promote good governance, regardless of party affiliation,” he stated.
“We are not here to discuss political parties. I am a member of APC, and my brother Senator Kelvin Chukwu belongs to the Labour Party. My purpose today is to foster good governance.”
Nwoye urged the beneficiaries to make the most of the items, asserting that their responsible use would motivate the donor to continue supporting such initiatives.
Senator Victor Umeh, who represents Anambra Central in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, commended Senator Chukwu for the empowerment program and expressed gratitude to the Enugu senatorial zone for their steadfast support of the senator.
All the Labour Party members of the federal House of Representatives from Enugu state present at the event praised Senator Chukwu for delivering democratic dividends to the constituents who entrusted him with their mandate.
Among the beneficiaries were 25 individuals with special needs, who each received brand new grinding machines.
Items distributed to the beneficiaries included brand new sewing machines, grinding machines, motorcycles, large refrigerators, fertilizers, and various foodstuffs.
Notable attendees of the event included Senator Victor Umeh of the Labour Party representing Anambra Central, Senator Okey Ezea of LP from Enugu North, Senator Osita Ngwu representing Enugu West, Hon. Chimaobi Atu representing Enugu North and South, and Hon. Sunday Umeha from the Udi/Ezeiagu federal constituency.
Others present included Professor Sunday Paul Nnamchi, representing Enugu East/ Isi Uzo federally, Bishop Ikemdika Olinya of Ehamufu Anglican Diocese, members of the state House of Assembly, and traditional rulers.
