Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) senatorial candidate for Enugu North Senatorial District in the 2023 general election, Barr. Gideon Agbo, has lamented the death of Senator Okechukwu Ezea, describing it as a huge loss to the zone.
Speaking with journalists in Nsukka over the weekend, Agbo said Ezea’s passing had created a significant vacuum, considering the late lawmaker’s impressive performance in the Senate despite being a first-term senator.
“Ezea left at a time Enugu North senatorial zone needed him most. Despite being a first-termer in the upper legislative chamber, he was very vocal and bold in presenting the needs of our people,” he said.
Agbo, however, expressed optimism that the people of Enugu North would elect a young, fearless and vibrant replacement capable of filling the void left by the late senator.
“This is not the time for our people to make the mistake of replacing Ezea based on established protocols. The Senate seat requires an agile person,” he said.
“The red chamber is a hot seat, not a sleeping chamber. Enugu North needs a young, vibrant and ebullient individual who will continue from where Ezea stopped.”
On whether he would contest the seat in the anticipated bye-election once the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) releases the timetable, Agbo said his candidacy remained valid.
“Sure, why not? My candidacy remains intact until 2027. Any day, any time, I remain the SDP candidate. According to the Electoral Act, my candidacy expires in 2027,” he stated.
Agbo further argued that genuine change in Nigeria could only be achieved when younger generations are given opportunities to participate actively in governance.
“Every day we talk about change. How do we achieve change if youths are not given the opportunity to express their knowledge and capacity?” he asked.
“Genuine change can only be achieved when everyone, including the youth, is given a chance. People often say, ‘I was this, I was that,’ simply because they were given the opportunity. If others are given the same chance, they can even do better.”
He also called on INEC to act within the provisions of the law to ensure that Enugu North is not unduly deprived of its representation in the Senate.
It would be recalled that Senator Okechukwu Ezea, who represented Enugu North Senatorial District of Enugu State, passed away in November last year after a brief illness.
