Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Youths in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, have vowed to return the Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives and Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to the green chamber for the fifth time.
The decision according to the youths is based on “incontrovertible performance and track record of achievements,” over the years.
Endorsing Onyejeocha as their consensus candidate, the youths advised other candidates for the seat not to bother wasting their resources and time as they had irrevocably made up their minds to return the Deputy Chief Whip to the House of Representatives.
The youths who organised a grand civic reception for former House Committee Chairman on Aviation, described her performances as unparalleled.
They said, “she is one of most performing lawmakers in the country,” adding that it is in the best interest of the constituency, Abia State and South-East to retain her at the green chamber instead of “replacing her with an amateur.”
To demonstrate their commitment to the fifth term bid of the lawmaker, the youths donated campaign materials including branded fez caps and posters.
Speaking at the colourful event, President of Umuada Youths, Kingsley Okorie, said the gift items were a token of appreciation for what the lawmaker had done for the community and the entire constituency.
The Youths Leader said youths in the constituency had made up their minds to support their best instead of going for experimentation, arguing that experience and rank count in Parliament.
He commended Onyejeocha for connecting roads across the two LGAs in the constituency and providing job opportunities for graduates of the community.
“We decided to say thank you. We are not doing this because it’s campaign season, we are doing it to say thank you. We are not going to vote you because of the one you have not done, we are voting you for the ones you have done.
“When you employ someone, you also have also relieved the family because when he earns, the family also gets uplifted, he gets married and also connects another families.
“Umuada youths thought it wise to receive you as one of our own and to say we are solidly behind you come February 25th.
“We sought the advice and consent of our parental body. Our promise and assurance are that come 25th of February, we will give you 100% support.”
He explained that the pledge for support was based on her past records.
“We are not saying this because of what we will get, but because of what we have gotten and we know that more is coming.
“We have always been with you but it’s time we let people know that this is where we are, so that when they want to do there campaign, they will know that this place is a no-go-area and has been taking over.
Responding, Onyejeocha expressed gratitude to the youths who she described as symbols of unity in the community, adding that she would be entirely indebted to them.
“I want to sincerely commend you for making out your time from your busy schedules since December to bring the youths of Umuada Community together in terms of security and for unity of the community.
“What you have done today has become my business because I do not know that in times like this, that there are so many people who recognise good things and appreciate them.
“What you have done will reinforce my confidence to build on what we have done, what we are still doing and what we will be doing in the future.”
She advised them to pick their Permanent Voter’s Cards, PVCs, before the February 5 deadline to enable them exercise their franchise.
