Senator Andy Uba Kick starts Campaign in Grand style (Press statement)

Sen. Dr. Andy Uba MFR kick-started his campaign for re-election as Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the first part of call was Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State. Senator Uba criss-crossed the four towns in the area in  one day in what should be aptly described as colourful ceremonies, with massive and intimidating crowd at every stop of the campaign trail.

          From the towns of Ichi to Oraifite and from Ihembosi to Ozubulu, the crowd was unbelievable. People defined the hot sun and patiently waited for the arrival of the Senator and his entourage. From the palace of  the traditional rulers of the various towns to the reception venues, speaker after speaker eulogized Dr. Andy Uba’s commitment to the welfare of the people. The traditional rulers of Ichi, Oraifite, Ozubulu and the President-General of Ihembosi Progress Assembly warmly received the Senator and his entourage and prayed God to bless the local government particularly with the re-election of Dr. Andy Uba.

          Speaking at Oraifite, Hon. Azuka Okwuosa who is the leader of Oraifite political forum thanked the people of his community for their continued support for Dr. Andy Uba in every election and assured the distinguished Senator that on February 14, the awesome gathering of men and women, boys and girls world continue the tradition of supporting him.

          In Ihembosi, Hon. Okwuosa reminded the people that their good relationship with Dr. Andy Uba dated back to 2007, when the Senator as governor of Anambra State was instrumental to the emergence of their son as Deputy- Speaker of Anambra State. He therefore urged the people of Ihembosi to reciprocate the good turn on February 14. 

          The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the town, Chief Pius Obiwulu and Chief John Malizu spoke in turns, assuring Senator Uba that because he did a good turn to them in 2007 and had been doing good turns to the town ever since, there is a consensus in the town that his good favours would be amply returned on Feb. 14.

          In his own speech, the member representing Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo Federal constituency in the House of Representative, Hon. Chris Azubogu reminded the people of Ihembosi that he is in the National Assembly with Sen. Uba to ensure that everything that is due to Ihembosi in particular and Ekwusigo in general gets to them. He cited the flag-off of Ozubulu – Ihembosi – Ukpor road, various classroom blocks built or renovated across schools in the local government area, numerous functional boreholes, solar electrification of major roads, ICT centre at girls sec. sch. Ozubulu with 110 computers as some of the projects the people are already enjoying.  

          Hon. Azubogu told the crowd, that he was able to collaborate with Sen. Uba even though he was a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, a minority party in the National Assembly and now that he has returned to the PDP, his collaboration with the Senator would be better, bigger and bolder because if they are re-elected, by virtue of their second tenures, they will become high-ranking members of the National Assembly.

          Speaking at Ozubulu, Prince Orji Nwafor- Orizu, scion of the Former Acting-President of Nigeria and Former President of the Senate of the Federal Republic, Dr. Abyssinia Akwaeke Nwafor – Orizu asked the people to vote for continuity and experience. He reminded the people that both his grand mother and his own mother are from Ozubulu and because Ozubulu runs in his blood, he would always identify with what is best for the town. He urged the people to vote for Sen. Uba because the Senator has acquired legislative experience, has a lot of clout and political acquaintances across Nigeria to be able to give Ozubulu and Ekwusigo local government area bold, selfless and visible representation in the Senate.

          At all the points in the campaign trail, Sen. Andy Uba began his speeches with his trade mark Christian song, Chineke Nke Igwe (The God of Heaven). According to the Senator, this song is the way to tell the people not to be desperate for anything because it is only God that has the power to install kings. He told the people that he has come on a long journey through life and has learnt, that God holds the world in his hands and only his will can be done at all times. He told the crowd at every point, that the greatest wisdom is for humanity to humble themselves before God. He assured the people that he would subject himself in the coming election to the will of God. A thunderous ovation always greeted this sincere manifestation of humility.

          Sen. Uba reiterated his commitment to bold, selfless and visible representation. He told the people that despite the high points of his tenure in the Senate, the first tenure was more of a training period for him. A period he used to learn how to forge alliances in the Senate, how to lobby members to support one’s bills, who are the real powers behind what goes on in the Senate and how to maintain robust relationships with Principal Officers of the Senate and especially the Presidency.

          He said that having acquired this experience, his second tenure will become an opportunity to build on his acquired experience. He told the people that he did not come to enumerate his achievements because those achievements as lawyers would say are res ipsa loquitur- they speak for themselves. He said he was on the tour to ask the people to continue to partner with him in order for Anambra South Senatorial Zone to continue to get better. He encouraged the people to go out in masse on election day to vote and also, to jealously guard their votes.

          When the campaign train landed at the palace of His Royal Highness Igwe Oruche , the traditional ruler of Ozubulu, the Igwe received Sen. Uba and his entourage in the company of the traditional rulers of Ichi and Oraifite. Igwe Oruche commended the Senator for his quality representation in the Senate and assured him of the loyalty and support of his subjects. He however urged the Senator to continue to attract dividends of democracy to Ozubulu. Sen. Uba thanked his Highness for his support and encouragement and promised, that as usual, Ozubulu in particular and Ekwusigo in general would continue to enjoy adequate attention.

UCHEM OBI

Senior Media Aide

To Sen. Andy Uba.