9th October 2024, NewsOrient, Politics, News

Mazi Augustine Iheanacho Okechukwu, a Chairmanship aspirant for Bende Local Government Area on the platform of Labour Party in the forthcoming Local Government Election in Abia State has expressed concern over the way the party carried out it’s candidates’ selection process, describing it as “undemocratic.”

He however said notwithstanding the development, which denied him the opportunity of emerging the party’s governorship flag bearer in Bende LGA, he will submit to party decision and work with the chosen candidate to achieve victory.

In a statement signed by Mazi Augustine Iheanacho Okechukwu, dated 9 October, 2024 and made available to NewsOrient, he expressed dissatisfaction with the process adopted by Labour Party leadership to select the local government chairmanship candidates but declared his decision to accept the party’s verdict in the interest of all and to work with the chosen candidate to achieve victory.

The statement entitled:
Congratulatory Message To Labour Party Chairmanship Flag Bearer, Deacon Uwabunkeonye Bassey and the Deputy, Mrs Ngozi Anya, reads:

“The esteemed members of Labour Party and fellow citizens of Bende LGA.

“First, I would like to thank everyone here for your unwavering support throughout my journey in seeking to serve our beloved Bende. It is your belief in a better future that has kept this movement alive, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

“However, we are under unfortunate circumstances.

What has transpired over the past few days is nothing short of a slap on the face of democracy.

Instead of allowing a fair and transparent primary election within the Labour Party, as expected in any true democracy, we witnessed a selection—a selection imposed from the top, denying the people of Bende their rightful say in who should lead them. Let us be clear: this was not an election, it was a handpicking process, and all true lovers of democracy, both in Bende and beyond, must disapprove of such actions.

The cornerstone of democracy is the ability of the people to choose their leaders freely, and when that is undermined, the will of the people is disregarded.

But beyond the undemocratic nature of what has occurred, we must also address another important issue: the zoning formula that has long been honored in Bende.

All stakeholders of our party, from every corner of our Local Government (BENDE), came together in good faith and agreed that this time, the chairmanship should come from Item, as it is the turn of Item in our rotational leadership structure. Further discussions among stakeholders also agreed that the position should go to Apuanu Item, a village that has not had the opportunity to occupy an elective office, apart from councillorship.

For years, this zoning arrangement has been respected. It has kept peace, fairness, and mutual understanding among our communities. It is, therefore, quite unfortunate that this long-standing agreement has been deviated from in this instance. By ignoring the voices and agreements of our party and communities leaders, we are walking a dangerous path—one that undermines trust and risks dividing us at a time when unity is most important.

That said, I believe in the wisdom of the people, and I also believe that Governor Alex Otti is an intelligent leader who wants the best for Abia State.

Perhaps in his view, the decision to handpick a candidate is what he considers to be in the best interest of the people of Bende, and of Abia State.

I want to believe that his intention is to ensure progress, development, and stability in our communities.

In light of this, if the selection is indeed what the Governor believes is best for Bende, then I must respect the decision.

As a true advocate for the greater good, I am willing to put aside personal aspirations for the sake of unity and the progress of our people. I will work with the candidate chosen by the Governor for the Labour Party to ensure victory—not for myself, but for the overall good of Labour party and Bende.

I believe in the cause of positive change, and if that change is brought through another candidate, then I am committed to ensuring that the party succeeds and that our communities reap the benefits of strong leadership.

However, to my adoring supporters, let me state this clearly: this is not the end of our fight for democracy. We may have lost a battle, but the war for justice, transparency, and fair leadership in Bende continues.

The faith you all have shown in me means the world, and I know that with your continued support, one day our collective aspirations will materialize.

In conclusion, while I strongly disapprove of the process that brought about this candidate selection, I remain committed to the progress of our party and our people of Bende. I will support the Labour Party’s candidate because our loyalty is to the party and the cause of Bende’s development, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that our LGA thrives under good governance.

We will remain vigilant, we will keep pushing for a brighter future, and I promise you that our time will come.

Thank you, and may God bless Labour party, Bende, Abia State, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

.~ NewsOrient

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