Posted by By Chidi Nkwopara on
POLITICAL gladiators for the epic battle of the Owerri senatorial bye-election scheduled for Dcember 3, 2005, are gradually emerging from the registered political parties operating in Imo State.
OWERRI - POLITICAL gladiators for the epic battle of the Owerri senatorial bye-election scheduled for Dcember 3, 2005, are gradually emerging from the registered political parties operating in Imo State.
Already Mr. Eze Ajoku of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chief Mike Ikenna Ahamba (SAN), a chieftain of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have been chosen by their parties to fly their respective flags during the contest. Already, the state governor, Chief Achike Udenwa, has sent a congratulatory letter, GH/AD/S.55/T.2/126, to Mr. Ajoku, promising that all hands would be on deck to ensure his success.
'It is on a very happy note that I wish to congratulate you on your victory in the Owerri senatorial zone PDP primaries held November 10, 2005. On behalf of the PDP family Imo State and myself, I wish you a resounding success in the forthcoming Owerri senatorial bye-elections. As is normal, all hands will be on deck to ensure victory", Udenwa promised.
Reacting to his nomination in a different setting, Chief Ahamba pleaded with the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Maurice Iwu, to ensure that his establishment superintends over a free and fair poll during the senatorial bye-election.
'Nigeria is at a political crossroad and this is an opportunity for INEC to not only help in remedying the situation, but also prove that it is capable of handling all future polls," Ahamba said. He reminded all the emerging contestants for the bye-election that he has not come into the race as a foe but a friend and brother, adding that he can be a just friend and brother, as well as a gallant adversary.
'This senatorial zone deserves peace, real and undiluted peace. The zone deserves the best, as only the best is good for the people of the zone. This is the time for Professor Iwu to prove that he is now committed to superintending over a free and fair polls," Chief Ahamba said.
Answering a question, he stressed that since Professor Iwu promised Nigerians that he would conduct free and fair elections during his tenure as INEC chairman, 'I have no cause right now, to doubt him."