Hon. Asadu himself appeared to have been taken aback by the massive turn-out of party faithfuls. It seemed as though the entire Enugu North Senatorial Zone had emptied into the LGA to witness the event. The camaraderie, exuberance, and enthusiasm all of which constitute the marrow of the foundation of PDP came aflame. Hon. Asadu thanked Enugu State PDP for the uncommon opportunity of serving as a fourth termer in the Green Chamber, and pledged to dedicate himself to the course of the party.
The centre of attention for many persons, however, was Ifeanyi Ossai, the Incoming Deputy Governor of Enugu State. Thousands of people actually showed up specifically to catch a glimpse of the chap who had, as it is said, upstaged the traditional political configurations to emerge the Running-mate to Peter Mbah, the fairy-like figure who emerged from the woods as the foster-child of no other god but Zeus himself, the legendary lawyer and contractor famed for academic brilliance and admired for his Solomonic wisdom. Ifeanyi Ossai!
Amidst all the pomp and circumstance at the event, Barr Ossai sat smiling, confident, composed, calmly soaking up the goodwill of party men and women who poured in to show solidarity. Here is a man of destiny on whose young shoulders the Almighty God has placed the mantle to drive Enugu North Senatorial Zone into the next chapter of cutting-edge Technology, ICT, and all-round best practices. Ifeanyi Ossai knows too well the onerous task on his table – that very soon millions of youths from his Zone will be counting on him. And he is more than equal to the task. After all, he is a youth himself.
It was soon the turn of Barr. Ossai to speak! He did not disappoint. First, he roused the audience into a frenzy. As he thundered his greetings, hell let loose. People gambolled and cantered and cavorted around in excitement. I daresay an emergent politician like Barr Ossai would never have expected that massive outpouring of support.
Clearly, his name has been travelling faster than himself. His speech was brief and precise: he thanked Hon. Asadu for organising the event, and stressed the need for unity as we hurtle towards 2023 Elections. As always he reminded our people that it was time to craft out a Development Agenda peculiar to our Zone, which we can present to Peter Mbah for our collective bargaining.
For youths of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Ifeanyi Ossai is an amazing discovery. His coming is timely. Indeed in a very short space of time, Barr. Ossai has had incalculable impact on the psychology of the people of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, especially the youths. He has become the mirror-image of the dream of the teeming youths of the Zone.
When he speaks, he exudes capacity, candour and sincerity. He completed a Master’s Degree in Law in the United Kingdom and chose to return to Nigeria to begin from scratch supported by nothing except self-confidence and the grace of God. He fought through the labyrinth of our obnoxious system to establish himself as a successful contractor in Abuja.
So, when I hear some negative people describe Barr Ossai as elitist, I feel as though someone has pushed a needle through my skin. Nothing could be more unfair! I think it is capital sin to pass judgement on someone whose character one barely knows; except that for some people even to dress well is to be elitist.
Ifeanyi Ossai is responsible single-handed for 90% of the community projects attracted to Ezimo, his community, and surrounding communities. How can someone who thinks and dreams community be described as an elitist person? Anyone who compares Ezimo before 2015 and now would be amazed at what one man with a public spirit can accomplish for the community. I have seen Barr. Ossai finish from the monthly party meeting at his LGA and walk over to a rural restaurant to enjoy fresh palm-wine and trade jokes with rural folks. Is that how to be elitist?
Of course, yesterday’s event has upset the apple cart of the opposition. Some opposition politicians, who had thought that Igbo-Eze South LGA was already in the bag for them will have to look elsewhere for votes. It was clear that the much-rumoured tension in Igbo-Eze South is imaginary, and that the PDP family in the LGA is as solid as ever. But more importantly, Peter Mbah and Ifeanyi Ossai are as loved in Igbo-Eze South as they are loved in every other part of the State.
Peter Mbah’s agenda is the most innovative in the history of the State. His Statement of Purpose has ambitious programmes for the Economy, Education, ICT, Health-care, Agriculture, Tourism, Transportation, Energy and indeed every aspect of our socio-economic life. Ifeanyi Ossai is exposed and extraordinarily brilliant and has the capacity to ensure our full participation and dividends in the Agenda of the Incoming Government.
God bless Enugu State!
May God protect, guide and prosper the Mbah/Ossai 2023 Project!
Dr Hyginus Eze
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