EKPE FESTIVAL: You Can’t Buy Experience—Rep Sam Onuigbo Tells Oriendu Ekeoba Community
By Ugochukwu Uzuegbu, Umuahia
_Ekpe bú la ámá ndi Oriendu Ekeoba_, Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area, and the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, and the Senatorial Candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the 2023 general polls, Rep. Sam Onuigbo, was in Oriendu to witness this cultural heritage, and to felicitate with the people of Oriendu community.
Speaking at a reception in his honour, held at the country home of a prestigious son of Ekeoba, Engr. Prince Ebere Okeuhie, Rep. Sam Onuigbo thanked the people of Ohuhu for their warm reception, describing them as an enlightened people who should be accorded the respect they deserve, having produced great people such as Michael Iheonukara Okpara. “You can not buy experience, and you have produced great people whose achievements formed the basis of their recognition. These are honours earned and not honours purchased,” he said.
He went on to remind the great people of Ohuhu of the part they have to play in our collective duty to change governance patterns and improve lives, as doing this will reduce social vices, *assuring them that their votes will count*.
“We can not continue with a small group of people seizing government and developing their stomach infrastructure. I am happy that people are beginning to see that *it’s not about the party, but about the individual with the right intentions*, whom we can hold accountable. We did a lot with the Electoral Act 2022, and I’m happy to have served on the joint technical committee that produced it, and our focus is *to return power to the people*, and a lot of people are excited about this. I have an unfinished project here in Ohuhu Clan, and by the grace of God, when I am elected as the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District, I will work hard to ensure that this very important project is successfully executed. In addition, I will work hard to facilitate many more projects to this area as part of the dividends of democracy,” he said.
He ended by charging them to sensitize those in remote areas, recruiting them into the project to enthrone purposeful leadership.
In his response, the President General of Amaogwugwu, Mr Emeka Chukwuma, Welcomed Rep. Sam Onuigbo, thanking him for his efforts in attracting a Federal Secretariat in Abia State, stating that this shows that while we might not be aware, he’s always struggling to ensure that Abia State and his Constituency gets their due share of the dividends of democracy. “We have heard about your travails. You fought and you conquered, and you are presently the candidates of the All Progressives Congress for Abia Central Senatorial District. We are wishing you well and will do our best to encourage you, praying that God will grant you success,” he said.
Giving the vote of thanks, Sir Victor Okeuhie, the father of the host, thanked Rep. Sam Onuigbo for coming to join the people of Oriendu in celebration, and for his capable representation of the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency, declaring that the people of Ohuhu will continue to support him as he takes representation to the next level. “You do not fail an exam before you enter an exam hall. Since you have entered the exam hall, we will continue to pray and work fervently for your success, which by extension is our success,” he said.
