There’s a wild jubilation in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State following the unanimous nomination of one of their sons, Sir. Vitalis Okonkwo, by all the stakeholders in the LGA, as their preferred candidate for Commissioner.
His nomination is in accordance with the Governor’s desire to enthrone “participatory democracy” which simply translates; that all the various council areas should convene a meeting (which is exactly what Uzo-Uwani did) to deliberate and nominate a consensus candidate from their locality that would serve as Commissioner in the state executive council.
His nomination was ratified during their stakeholders meeting on Friday, 16th August, 2019 at Filbon Hotel Enugu.
Before his nomination, the stakeholders had met and zoned the position to Ojor ward in the LGA which was done in the spirit of justice, equity, and fairness.
Our correspondent reported that Sir. Vitalis Okonkwo, a successful oil mogul, farmer and philanthropist alongside Richard Eguma, the current Treasurer of Igboeze South LGA and the State Secretary, Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) indicated interest since the zoning arrangement favoured both of them.
The Councillor of Ojor ward, Hon. Chikwelu Romanus and the President General (PG) of Ojor community, Ucheonwu Okonta in their speeches thanked the stakeholders for standing on the part of justice and fairness by zoning the position to their people. They assured them that their two sons gunning for the opportunity are eminently qualified and will not let Uzo-Uwani down.
After various hours of long deliberations and speeches from so many persons including; the Chairman of traditional rulers in the council, HRH S.J Idu, the party Chairman in the council, Udezue Benedict, Member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Okika Josephat, the leader of Uzo-Uwani legislative Council, Patrick Ezugwu amongst others.
After the two interested candidates took time to address the stakeholders, they (the stakeholders) unanimously agreed that Richard Egwuma despite being eminently qualified for the position should retain his position as the Secretary of JAAC in the state as that is a very vital position Uzo-Uwani can’t afford to loose thus Vitalis Okonkwo should be allowed to go and serve them at the State Executive Council.
The motion for the adoption of the nomination of Sir. Okonkwo was moved by a former Commissioner, Hon. Matthew Idu and seconded by Hon. Paschal Okoro.
The Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Ani, subjected the motion to a voice vote which was overwhelmingly supported with echos of “YES!”
Some of the stakeholders that spoke to our correspondent said “the nomination of Vitalis is a true reflection of the wish of their people.” They hinged their endorsement of Vitalis on his transparent nature and a Philanthropist that has touched the lives of many in their community positively despite not occupying any public office.
The meeting which was chaired by Uzo-Uwani Council Chairman, Hon. Fidelis Ani had in attendance, the immediate past Chairman of the LGA, Hon. Cornell Onwubuya, past commissioner(s) and political appointees, Administrators, Secretaries and Members of all the development centres, all the elected councillors, PDP, LGA, ward Chairmen, Traditional Rulers, President General of various Town Unions and party faithfuls.
