Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
A former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Benjamin Nworie, has begun consultations over his intention to contest the chairmanship position of Ishielu Local Government Area in the forthcoming council election.
Nworie, a veteran journalist and newspaper publisher, said his aspiration was driven by the long-standing marginalisation of the old Ezzagu zone in the council’s leadership.
Speaking after meeting with some stakeholders and groups, he stressed that, in the spirit of fairness, equity, and justice, the chairmanship should return to the zone, which has not produced the council chairman in over two decades.
“With the release of the timetable for local government elections by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), I have started consultations to contest for the chairmanship position of Ishielu Local Government Area.
“For over two decades, the people of the old Ezzagu zone have not occupied the position, and for the sake of equity, justice, and fairness, it is time for our zone to be considered.
“I have declared my interest to contest and I appeal to our stakeholders to support me. As a media practitioner with vast experience and knowledge, I am competent to provide purposeful leadership to our council,” he said.
Nworie noted that the Ezzagu zone was in dire need of government presence, especially in the area of infrastructure. He praised Governor Francis Nwifuru for awarding the construction of the Ezillo–Ezzagu road but lamented that most Ezzagu communities still lacked motorable access roads.
The journalist, who also served as a former member of the board of the Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), commended the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for entrenching internal democracy and creating space for free participation by members.
He called on the people and stakeholders of Ishielu Local Government to support his ambition to bring the good governance of the Nwifuru administration to the grassroots.
