By Mokwugwo Solomon, Awka
The House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Onitsha North and Onitsha South Federal Constituency for the 2023 general election, Hon Edward Obiefuna Ibuzo, has decried the myriad of sufferings southeast traders go through in bringing their goods from the Apapa Wharf by road, and insisted that he will champion the completion of the port if elected into the Green Chamber.
Speaking at the Onitsha South Township Stadium, on Sunday, October 2, during his campaign flag off for the 2023 general election, the lawmaker, who currently represents Onitsha North II State Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, regretted that several people, who represented Onitsha, Anambra State and Southeast in Abuja did not give priority to the completion of the seaport; thus, subjecting traders from the region into untold hardship.
He said: “Completing the Onitsha Sea Port will top my agenda in the House of Representatives. In my first month in the Green Chamber, I must voice it out to ensure that it is completed.
“They have expended billions of the tax payers’ money in that project; and I am disappointed that up till now, it has not been completed; and nothing is working there; yet, we have people representing us at the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“Traders in the Southeast and Anambra in particular, are suffering as a result of non completion of that port. Traders will import goods from China, and their goods will stop at the Apapa Wharf. From there, it will be taken on road to the South East, amid bad roads. When their goods get spoilt on the road, nobody will pay them. That is very bad.”
He further urged the people to vote APGA during the coming election; saying that reward for hard work is more work.
“For the past 7 years that I am in the House of Assembly, I delivered on the mandate given to me. I attracted good roads to Onitsha North II. I renovated primary schools, and also sponsored bills that imparted positively on the lives of the people. I sponsored free medical outreaches, among other things.
“As we approach 2023 general election, let us be mindful of the kind of people we elect to represent us. People.cominng out to contest with me today, some of them have held elective positions for many years, and they have not been accountable to the people.”
Chairman of APGA in Onitsha South LGA, Chief Ikechukwu Ezeoba Mofunanya (Orimili Nando), assured that Onitsha South will support the APGA candidate one hundred percent.
“Since I became chairman 7 years ago, APGA has not lost any election in Onitsha South. This one will not be an exception, because, we are sure Ibuzo will do well if elected to represent his constituency in Abuja,” he said.
The Anambra State Legal Adviser of the party, who also doubles as the Onitsha South coordinator of the Edward Ibuzo Campaign Organization, Barr. Emmanuel Maduabuchi Chibuzo, also eulogized the quality representation offered by Hon. Ibuzo to his people at the state assembly, and expressed optimism that he will do better if elected to the House of Representatives.
“In politics, you graduate from one level to another. Ibuzo started from the House of Assembly. He delivered on his mandate in the past 7 years. Now, we are supporting him to graduate to the House of Representatives,” he said.
The colourful event was attended by APGA supporters from Onitsha South and Onitsha North; as well as party executives and leaders from all the wards in the two council areas.