DTHA: Grassroot politicians should represent Ughelli South Constituency- Hon. Oghenemu advocates … Visits PDP Exco’s,  Councillors, declares intention

By Godwin Utuedoye,

Hon. Oghenemu who was speaking at the residence of the Ughelli South PDP Local Government Chairman, Hon. Michael Oshetiegho on Tuesday, June 19, when he visited him and his Exco’s with his entouraged to officially declare his intent to run for the assembly seat, stated that since 1999 till date, no grassroot politician has ever occupied the position neither has a former councillor allowed to vie for the House of Assembly seat.

The three time councillor who represented Jeremi Ward 4 between 2004, 2007 and 2011 noted that it is more beneficial when an experienced grassroot politician is given the opportunity to represent the people whom he said knew their pains and how to relate with them.

Speaking further, Hon. Oghenemu also noted that during his time as a lawmaker in the local government, the party which is the umbrella body that covers and ushered them in, was funded monthly in order to grow and maintain the party, but lamented the present ordeal of the party where little or nothing goes to the party for maintenance.

He promised to work harmoniously with party executives and also hold regular interactive session with party exco’s in order to know the needs and challenges of . The House of Assembly hopeful also promised to be loyal, obedient and humble to the party as party is supreme.

Earlier in their various responses, Hon. Charles Kwode and Hon. Richard Ebrubota who were his former colleagues at the legislative house, described Hon. Wilson Oghenemu as a thorough grassroot politician who is loved by his people and has diligently work for the PDP as a party.

They move that as a result of his humility, hardwork, experience and active role in Ughelli South politic, he shoukd just take his bow and live as he need no introduction.

On his part, the chairman of the party, Hon. Michael Oshetiegho disclosed that of all the aspirants that have visited the Exco’s to declare their intents, only Hon. Oghenemu has really look in and say something about the well being of the party. He said that was one of the reasons why he was ask to take his bow and live, but urged the house of assembly aspirant to be focus in his campaign towards the party primary, work hard and be peaceful.

He added that the Exco will deliberate over his ambition when he must have gone but reminded him to keep his promises should he won the party ticket. The party chairman further noted that accepting a candidate does not mean endorsement as the words are different.

As part of his support to the party, Hon. Oghenemu also promise to purchase the party faulty gear box of the party vehicle to ease the exco movement as mobility is very necessary.

Hon. Oghenemu who was joined in his entourage by Chief Hon. David Uhawha, Hon. Tony Okagbare, Engr. Ufuoma Akpeh, Comrade Emmanuel Ofigo and many others also pay a visit to the councillors representing the different wards in Ughelli South  Local Government.

Addressing the councillors led by the speaker of the Ughelli South Legislative Arm, Rt. Hon. Victor Kponogan, his deputy and others,  Hon. Oghenemu said as a former ranking councillor, it is pertinent for him to meet and inform them officially of his intention to vie for the House of Assembly position in 2019.

Recounting plight of councillors after their tenures, he said it is becoming a norm in the local government that once a councillor, one cannot grow beyond that level politically. He reiterated that former councillors in the local government have been undermined, retarded and stunted, maintaining that since 1999 till date, no former councillors have been able to climbed above that level neither has any appointed into meaningful offices compared to their counterparts in other local governments.

He said some who were councillors during his time are now States House’s of Assembly or Representative members while some are now Commissioners and Senior Board members in different ministries but theirs is different. He said pained by this abysmal notion, he has come out fully to run for the House of Assembly.

Responding to his speech, the leader of the house, Rt. Hon. Victor Kponogan expressed his gratitude and joy as one of their former ranking colleague has boldly come out to vie for the position. He said it is an indication and hope that one day, any of them could also follow suit. He prayed God to support the aspirant and enjoined him to ensure he visit all the leaders in the party and meet with the people as individuals are different.

In his admonition to the councillors, Hon. David Uhawha who led the team appealed to the councillors to lend Hon. Wilson their support. He noted that a House of Assembly candidate is suppose to be chosen by the councillors’ as they are the real grassroot politicians who know what and what is needed by the people. Noting that it is when the house member and the councillors work together that they can make laws that will be favourable to the grassroot people and the councillors.

With the visit to the party Exco’s and Councillors, Hon. Oghememu will further his consultation and campaign ahead of the party primary which he believe he will win.