Ahead of the 2019 general elections, legal luminaries of Nsukka extraction have vowed to mobilize support for the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi of Enugu State.
Leading in the struggle is Barr. Maximus Ugwuoke, who made the disclosure during a meeting of the group, under the aegis of Nsukka Zonal Lawyers’ Forum.
Ugwuoke, a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, House of Representatives aspirant for Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, said 300 lawyers from the area were being mobilized for the project.
While describing Ugwuanyi as “a great achiever of our time”, Ugwuoke said “we are set for a solidarity rally for the Governor, our own son, who has made us proud.”
“The grand rally is in support of the Governor’s vision and a way of not only appreciating what he has achieved so far, but also to ensure his reelection.
“I am asking all Nsukka lawyers to identify with this project. We have to stop political detractors who may hide under any guise to subvert the good plans of the Governor,” he added.
He had also at the meeting informed his colleagues of his desire to represent his constituency at the House of Representatives, recalling the massive support he got from the forum when he contested about five years ago as an executive member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Enugu branch, which ensured his victory.
He said he had decided to come to them for the support as they were “indeed very dependable, you are formidable ally in this project.”
Ugwuoke declared that his ambition “is not grounded on self aggrandizement and selfishness but borne out of burning zeal to serve.”
“My passion, my decision to contest is driven by a vision to deliver the goods of quality representation and make a difference. I do not believe in a politics of personal criticism but rather I believe in issue-based politics. I have a vision to deliver and challenge other aspirants to the office to lay their visions bare for the people’s assessment,” he said.
He further disclosed that he would have ordinarily liked to consult every member of the Lawyer’s Forum individually but that time may not permit.
“Though most of you may not participate in the primaries but you have your contacts and networks which you can utilize to make things happen positively,” he said.
“Since this house had supported me and given me victory in the past, it is right, proper and correct to inform you of my intention to contest the election to the House of Representatives for the Nsukka –Igboeze South constituency. I am a lawyer of Nsukka extraction and a proud Nsukka lawyer at that and I pledge to live up to the billing,” he stated.
Responding, the chairman of the Nsukka Zonal Lawyer’s Forum, Barr Alphonsus Ugwuafia commended Ugwuoke for his decision and described his cause as synonymous with that of every Nsukka lawyer and wished him success.
The chairman counseled him to go on with consultations and assured him of their support and votes once he gets his party’s nod.
Other speakers concurred with the chairman and urged Ugwuoke to bring to bear his experiences, connections and contacts in his pursuit so as to ensure that he got his party’s mandate.
They also lauded his decision to run an issue-based campaign without rancor or mudslinging.
They expressed the hope that he will sail through and wished him a successful outing through the PDP platform, which they agreed was a sure bet in the State.
The meeting was attended by about 100 members of the forum, including the likes of Professor Frank Asogwa, Former Enugu Commissioner and Dean of Faculty of Law Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Barr Okey Ani, former commissioner for Local Government Enugu State, Barr Pascal Okaloagu, Barr Chuka Ezike, Director of Public Prosecution and a host of others.
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