Trumpeta: Can you briefly introduce yourself?
Igbomezie: My name still remains Hon. Chief Henry Igbomezie, known as Ugwumba
Trumpeta: How did you come into politics?
Igbomezie: Destiny and effective representation brought me into politics. After my youth service in 1993 in Lagos State at the age of 28 precisely, I contested in 1995-1996 for councillorship position and won the election. As a councilor of old Izombe then, I worked effectively. Honestly, I enjoy politics a lot, that I can say is leading me up till now in life. My coming into politics is based on my optimism because before I contested for the councillorship position, it was just for the retired elites, but I succeeded. Politics is one of my likes.
Trumpeta: Before now, you were the former representative of Oguta L.G.A. in the Imo State House of Assembly. How would you access yourself?
Igbomezie: Yes, I was the Honourable member that represented Oguta L.GA. from 2007-2011 in IMHA. Accessing myself, I was made the Chairman House Committee on petroleum and Energy and also House Committee on finance. I can proudly boast that I represented my constituency without disappointing them, which my enemies can attest to the fact. My representation was “super excellent’.
Trumpeta: Can you relay most of your achievements as an Honourable member and a SOLAD now?
Igbomezie : Innumerable I while in the House of Assembly, I was the 1st person in the history of Oguta that did constituency briefing, I had and put in place a constituency office which my predecessors could not do. Moreso, I constructed a scheme known as youth Empowerment scheme” and poverty alleviation scheme:. Not only that, I bought and distributed motorcycles to the less privileged youths and the unemployed ones of Oguta L.G.A. To work in synergy, the indigent widows of not less than 100 were given sufficient funds to start up their businesses which up till now, some have prospered with that alleviation programme. To mention but a few was the sole sponsoring of students to overseas for their education while some were helped with WAEC and JAMB registration fees. All these as an Honourable member.
On another view, I personally constructed 1.5km road with drainage system in Oguta L.G.A, built an adult literacy centre, fenced Izombe market which is now the biggest market in Oguta and is called perimeter fencing”. Last but not the least, I attracted the only girls’ school in Oguta L.G.A. which is the youngest school in Imo State now.
And my greatest achievement now as the sole Administrator of Oguta L.G.A. is peace, love, unity and harmony. When I was appointed as the SOLAD of the L.G.A. the Governor, Rochas Okorocha told me that there were fracas and disarray in the area and it is my paramount responsibility to ensure peace and tranquility. Now, I can categorically tell you that I have achieved that which is harmony in Oguta. On other achievements, I have done 80% of it.
Trumpeta: What are your challenges?
Igbomezie: Human beings are prone to some challenges, but one of my challenges is to curb the culture of violence and electoral crimes in Oguta. Oguta as the 1st rated and 80% producing Local Government in the State still needs sufficient fund for their maintenance. ISOPADEC and NDDC are really steadfast in discharging their functions. “I am very happy of what the Governor is doing in the nucks and crannies of Imo State for the first time in history, Marine University is being built in Oguta L.G.A. and also electricity that has never been seen and experienced by Agwa Community is now under strong and formidable “installation. Our challenges for all I know will soon be over-powered.
Trumpeta: What do you have to say about the just concluded Oguta re-run election?
Igbomezie: I thank God that APGA finally won. APGA candidate is equally my candidate, so I am happy. Whether INEC declares it or not, everybody knows the truth. Out of 129 booths and 11 polling units in Oguta, APGA was able to have 121 missing 8 so its so glaring that 8 lost is negligible. APGA won, so INEC should do justice to that fact.
Trumpeta: Are you saying that INEC is denying the truism?
Igbomezie: If INEC in all manner of truth and sincerity can say the truth, there will be no delay in pronouncing the result which APGA won. APGA is leading with 2011 votes and I must reiterate that PDP has no stand in Oguta. They are just having window silent meeting, unlike APGA. Since 2011, the constituency have no House of Assembly representative, so the election should not be endless.
Trumpeta: Was the election free and fair?
Igbomezie: Yes it was free and fair with the goodwill of APGA except the intrusion of PDP, thugs in Central School Izombe and Ugbele village Square which the voters were coerced to vote for PDP by the army harassment.
Trumpeta: How do you see the Rescue Mission?
Igbomezie: Rescue Mission Govt. is God sent. The type of infrastructures seen in the state now is a clear example. Since the creation of Nigeria, it is the regime that granted free education Roads, electricity and security through the Rescue Mission of Okorocha.
Trumpeta: What of the CGC?
Igbomezie: The CGC is of paramount importance in the grassroots development and sensitization. So, I support it and everybody should do same.
Trumpteta: Ezeship tussle and resolution
Igbomezie: Okorocha is a peace loving Governor. So there is no need to crucify him because he is resolving Ezeship tussle for some Communities. Since his interference, the problem is subdued.
Trumpeta: What do you envisage for the Governor come 2015 Guber?
Igbomezie: (Laughs) Honestly, if allowed to react, I will say lets put the Governor back to the seat to salvage the Imolites and decaying government. Rochas Okorocha should be supported to any political position he deems fit like contesting.
He is an Icon to be emulated.
Trumpeta: Do you have political interest?
Igbomezie: (laughs) of course, as a politician I do.
Trumpeta: What position?
Igbomezie: No. Comment
Trumpeta: Nice speaking with you
Igbomezie:The pleasure is mine.
