The member representing Uzo Uwani constituency and Chairman on chieftaincy matters, culture and tourism, in the Enugu state Assembly, Hon. Dr. Josephat Okika has lauded Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and his constituents for finding him worthy to represent the good people of the LGA in Enugu state assembly.
The lawmaker who spoke during an interactive session with delegates from Mabanano Youth Congress (MBAYOCO), led by Dr. Chukwuebuka Okafor, Uzo-Uwani LGA Supervisor for health, in his residence, also pledged to continue to deliver quality servicestohis people.
He spoke on a wide array of issues which included the efforts of the Governor in ensuring his speedy recovery, the Sterling leadership exemplification of Hon. Chukwudi Celestine Nnadozie in Uzo Uwani LGA, Governor Ugwuanyi’s appointment of three eminent sons of the LGA into his cabinet, good-will messages from his well-wishers, his achievements, among others.
According to him, “I just want you to help me and thank Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. While I was on medical leave, the Governor stood behind me and even ensured I returned Hale and hearty. In fact, he saved my life, I am alive today because of Governor Ugwuanyi .
“Coming from a poor Nkume community, that had never produced any personality politically since creation of the earth (except councilor) In 2011. And the Governor found me worthy to be where I am today, with the support of my people, I am thankful to him,” he said.
Speaking on the Uzo-Uwani LG and leadership style of the council chairman, Hon. Chukwudi Nnadizie, Okika said, “If you are for Nnadozie, you are for me. Nnadozie is the Governor of Uzo uwani LGA.
“Under him, there is stability in our LGA. There is no faction or camps in our polity any longer. Hon. Nnadozie is a good man. He doesn’t owe salaries of workers and pensions for the pensioners, an act which demonstrates the good heart and character of Governor ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
“I also want to thank other stakeholders, and thank the people of the LGA too, for collaborating with the mayor while I was on medical leave.”
Okika further commended the Governor for appointing three illustrious sons of Uzo Uwani LGA into his cabinet.
The lawmaker also appreciated Rt. Hon. Jonathan Chukwuma, former Deputy speaker of Enugu State house of Assembly and Curretly the SPA to the Governor on inter-party affairs, for flying-in from Abuja, just to welcome him back to the state, after a long period of absence.
His words: “Today, in the state Executive Chamber, we have Hon. Mathew idu, Commissioner for agriculture; Rt. Hon. Barr. Jonathan Chukwuma, SPA to the Governor on inter party affairs and Hon Cornel Onwubuya, SPA to His Excellency. It has never happened before, right from the old Anambra state, to the present administration.
The house member who used the occasion to list his achievements within his short stint at the state assembly, following the Covid-19 lockdown and his health condition, stated that he became the first Assembly member to hold Constituency Town hall meeting which took place on 7th January, 2020; where he offered over 1 million naira.
“It is instructive to say that I was Sworn-in on June 10th, 2019 but went for medical treatment on March, 2020. So I only spent 7 months at the state Assembly. But you won’t believe what I have achieved so far.
“Barely one month after the constituency town hall meeting, on 8 of February, 2020, at Ikenga Hotel Nsukka, during fund raising for LG elections, i donated another 1 million naira. And after lockdown in February, as a result of Covid-19, early March, in support of the LG Chairman, who is our Messiah, I gave another 1 million naira to support the council chairman’s efforts in sharing palliatives to our people.
” I didn’t give this money because I am rich or that I don’t have problems to slolve with it, but I did so just to add value to the system, and to ensure that the huge efforts of the council chairman was supported
“Talking about the type three hospital at Nkpologu/Uvuru in Adada zone of Uzo Uwani LGA today, the Governor instructed me to ensure that it entered into the year’s budget and I did so. And today, we have that giant hospital, fully equipped.
He listed his other strides to include attracting School hall for Ukpata, Civic centre at Adaba and health post at Nkume, which were executed by CSDP. And each of this projects was valued at 10 million naira each for the three communities in Mbanano zone.
“I got to know about these projects because of my committee, which is rural development. Before they came to us, they had already completed some projects at Igga, Nkpologu, Adani, Akpugo, Amagu and ogbosu in Umulokpa.
“And I promptly added Nrobo, Ukpata, Adaba and Nkume. I begged and cried to get these projects done. And I sponsored everything.
He further stated that on the 19th of February, 2020, he had, during stakeholders visit to the Governor, begged him in the presence of every Uzo uwani man to help in reviving the only cottage hospital in Umulokpa, which the governor granted with over 24 million naira.
He also acknowledged that during 2019 admission into tertiary institutions, that through his representation, he offered more than 100 people admission into ESCET, ESUT, UNN and so on, while admitting that over 65 JAMBITES were also, offered admissions this year through his office.
“I appealed to the managements of state owned tertiary institutions to as a matter fact consider offering more people from Uzo Uwani admissions in their respective schools. And in 2019, we have more Uzo uwani people in high profile courses such as law, medicine and so on as a result of my efforts. This is all about uzo uwani future. Not about Okika.
He further recounted that what he is currently doing at the state assembly, in terms of assistance, was what he aslo did when he was a soldier, where he served for more than 23 years.
“When I was in the army I Empowered so many people. The evidences are there. I approached several offices and pleaded for help from them, to enable our people to come in and they obliged me. And today, they are on their own with their respective families, which is empowerment.
“This became possible because I was officer in charge of prosecution, police investigations and so on. So it aided me in getting favor for my people.
“This is in addition to other assistances I offer to people from the constituency such as financial and other aids which I wouldn’t want to mentioned here.