By Onyekachi Eze
The supposed support and victory expected from the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Isu Local Government chapter of Imo State for the 2019 general election may be currently in serious jeopardy if the words emanating from the youths is anything to go by.
This may not be unconnected to the prolonged pronouncement of one of the top flight contenders for Isu State House of Assembly primaries under the PDP platform, Hon Henry Ekene Ibejiuba, known as Okeosisi as the authentic winner of the just concluded primary elections.
In view of the delay, which has been drawing the ire of the youths, they demand that the party’s leadership should hearken to the masses request of declaring Okeosisi the authentic PDP flagbearer, or stand the chance of regretting their actions in the upcoming general elections.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the recent development rocking the party, Isu youths under the membership of “Okeosisi Humanitarian Foundation” last Sunday, October 28, 2018 in a meeting convened by the members at Umundugba field, querried the reasons behind the delay.
According to the LGA Coordinator of Okeosisi Humanitarian Foundation, Nwoke Valentine, he said the youths are not asking much, but only worried on the factor hindering the official pronouncement of Hon Henry Ibejiuba as the party’s candidate.
He said from the records of the election, Okeosisi won out rightly to defeat his opponents, before the results were declared inconclusive.
Mr. Valentine reminded both the National, State party leadership and Isu people that Okeosisi never had the intention of contesting for an election, but was pressurized into doing so by the Youths, having taken cognizance of his capital and human oriented programs, which they said have gone a long way in alleviating the sufferings of virtually all the families in Isu LGA.
Another youth leader from Umundugba ward, Gift Michael opined that a justice delayed is justice denied.
In strong terms, they vowed to resist any form of imposition from anybody, even when the results so far says Okeosisi was undoubtedly leading.
He added that Isu youths, and by evidence of fact have settled for Henry Ekene Ibejiuba, whose antecedents cannot be equated to any of the ‘acclaimed’ aspirants seeking to represent them by either through crook or hook.
“Okeosisi Isu is a man of the people. Any injustice metted on him is indirectly telling us the youths, ‘what can you do’, and we must resist it with our blood”. They said.
The youths continued, “In Isu, we don’t have another candidate except Okeosisi. He has paid his dues, and it’s the right time to reciprocate for the good of our land. Wherever he goes, we will go. But one thing is sure, if PDP truly want a bulk votes from Isu LGA, they should give the House of Assembly ticket to Hon Henry Ekene Ibejiuba (Okeosisi) who won that exercise by landslide”. The Youths shouted.
Also commenting, the Manager of Okeosisi Humanitarian Foundation, Comrade Nwama Stanley Smith enjoined the National, State, LGA and Ward leaders to deliver a just result to the people, pointing out that there is no way ‘darkness can overshadow light’.
Nwama Smith described Okeosisi as a political movement whose time has come, maintaining that they are ready to hold on to what they believe in, which is that person generally accepted by over 95% of Isu constituents.
In their respective speeches, the LGA Party Chairman, Engr. Anayo Udechukwu, Director General of Okeosisi Campaign Organization, Hon Simon Tochukwu Uzoigwe, Chief Emma Duru, Mr Emperor Ohiri, among others described the young entrepreneur as a man of the people with impeccable character.
They commended the youths for standing out against injustice, and standing by the truth.
While giving reasons why the name of Okeosisi is on the mouth of everybody in Isu, they said as a youth, he has impacted tremendously in the lives of his people devoid of status, age, religion, tribe or political inclinations, the more reason why families in Isu will not vote for another person by 2019 other than Okeosisi.
The party Chairman reiterated that the party cannot afford to trade away their chances for victory in 2019 for the interest of one or two selfish people, but won’t relent in doing things right.
Responding, Hon Henry Ekene Ibejiuba acknowledged the show of love by the youths and the public.
Narrating his ordeals during the primary elections, Ibejiuba said at a point, he almost lost interest, but became stronger when he remembered how deeply in need his people want an effective representation and improved living.
He maintained that as at date, his name is still recognized as the authentic candidate, therefore he told the youths to ignore anyone parading himself as the flagbearer.
“I put God first in everything that I do because He alone leads me at the toughest paths. The battle was heavy that I nearly quit, but when I remembered my Isu people, I gathered more strength to see if we can change things to better the lot of our people. If God is with us, nobody will be against us”
Reassuring them, Okeosisi said, “I won’t disappoint you people. I may be too young to withstand the troubles, turmoil and name calling, but I am stronger as far as it is for the future and progress of Isu enclave. This is youth take over, and nothing will stop us, unless God says otherwise”.
Meanwhile, Okeosisi maintained that his humanitarian gestures has no political undertone, and will never be hindered by his present political emancipation or participation.
