The race for Owerri municipal Assembly seat has taken a new dimension with the declaration for the seat by the State Commissioner for Finance, Barr.Obinna Mbata.
Speaking to teeming party faithful which cut across the party leadership, ward executives and members in Owerri, Mbata said after consultations with key stakeholders and leaders in the municipality, he was urged to join the Assembly contest.
He recalled that he has proved his mettle in the Executive arm of government having first served as Commissioner for Internal Resources and Pensions and twice as Commissioner of Finance, an appointment he holds till date.
He said he has the enviable record as the longest serving Commissioner in Okorocha’s government, a rare feat which signifies his competence and performance to perform.
Mbata said he resolved to join the contest to give sincere representation to his people.
“We have many challenges confronting us.Youth unemployment is one of them. We need a unifying factor and I will speak for the people and not for myself when I m elected to the House”
“We must bring positive change to the municipality. Since I joined the contest, I have continued to receive accolades and support from our people” he said
The Finance Commissioner recalled the positive gains recorded by his party- the All Progressive Congress, APC in the municipality, stressing that the APC remains one and united under the able leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha.
He said the party has continued to grow in strength by sweeping victory in the recent local government election held in the State and more importantly in the municipality.
He vowed to strengthen the party in the municipality.He donated a bus to the Owerri municipal chapter of the APC.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Owerri municipal council, Nze Jeo Agor, commended the Commissioner for his ambition.
A leader of the party in Owerri municipal, Ambassador Jude Agbugba extolled the virtues of Hon.Mbata describing his ambition and donation of a bus to the APC as signs of good things to come.
A former Transition Chairman of Owerri municipal, Lady Gladys Amuneke harped on the need for the return of unity and cautioned against those factors that will further divide the people.
Among those who witnessed the event include Vice Chairman of Owerri Municipal, Faisal Lawal, Francis Nweke, Vice Chairman, Owerri Municipal, Faisal Lawal, some elders led by Oha Shedrack Obiecheozor and a host of others.
SNAPSHOTS AT THE EVENT