By Chibuikem Diala
It appears that every election cycle, Okigwe zone becomes the cynosure of all interest groups. The foxes gather to feast on the remnants of political shenanigans.
Every election cycle, Okigwe zone becomes the battlefield of poliktricians and a platform for brutal trade-offs. As in the past, such intrigues lead to woeful compromises and later regrets for the zone. Maybe, some benefits accrue to a few- the lords of Imo North. Unfortunately, the willing tools are labelled- Okigwe Zone Youths. Are they?
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The question is Who are the Okigwe Zone Youths? What is the criteria for being an Okigwe zone youth? How were they selected/elected to represent the Indigenous Youth of Okigwe zone? What basis is the Endorsement? Performance? Investment in the zone? Zonal development plans by the government or the promoters? Who ratified the endorsement? These questions are begging for genuine answers.
In truth, we have had enough of this kind of emergency youth gatherings that offer no future for the development of our zone. We should be talking about a tangible, verifiable development agenda for the zone, not mere promises akin to the promise of a ‘strange’ woman condescending cheerfully around the corners of Orieagu market. The Bible describes her thus- “the lips of a strange woman drop as a honeycomb, and her mouth smoother than oil: But her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword ”
It is regrettable to state that we can’t point out the essence of this type of gathering that happens only in the wake of every political cycle. Beyond political seasons, youths are abandoned to their fate- with no sustainable plan for the future. No employment plans. Nothing but total abandonment.
While I respect the right of every Citizen to associate/gather, it is high time we begin to intentionally interrogate the sociopolitical and economic objective of these individuals who yearly speak/represent the authentic youth of Okigwe Zone. What is their motive? Could it be to once again disrupt or destroy the one-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Okigwe Zone has to reinvent the developmental strides of Dee Sam Mbakwe who incidentally was from Okigwe Zone (Okigwe South precisely)?
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At the moment the zone is confronted by insecurity, lack, poverty, poor infrastructure, and lackluster leadership. Fear and mournful clouds dot the landscape of the once-proud Okigwe zone. The dearth of essentials of living and death loom so closely all around, yet no clear leadership/intervention from those who seek emergency political endorsements.
Ndi Okigwe are people of culture and traditional respect for humanity and for life. We honour our elders but the youths will no longer be deceived or coerced into taking steps against our own Senator Athan Achonu- who is capable to deliver to Ndi Okigwe and Ndi Imo in general, the true democratic dividends including – common trust, peace & security, enhanced ease of doing business, social justice, youth inclusivity, world-class education, the autonomy of local governments among other lifelines that guarantee fuller lives. His agenda makes a case for the ‘unknown youth’ (the creative, idealistic young boy/girl) with vision but without a vault of support.
*Of the three leading candidates Ikemba stands out with a clear robust plan fit for a fourth industrial generation economy. His ‘Athanomics’ economic blueprint looks beyond the myopic desires of today, but focuses on building a strong foundation for the future of generations to come.*
This is verifiable from his antecedents, Igbocentric beliefs, commitment to the security of Okigwe Zone, Investment in our zone (the first modern investment of such magnitude by either government or individual) with employment of youth in mind; investment of over 100 million naira personal funds in repairing police Armoured Personnel Carriers for use in the zone; above all he is loyal to the culture and customs of our people.
At this point, it is important to state that the authentic Indigenous Youth of Okigwe know themselves and are proud of their efforts at building a better society through dint of hard work (in our local communities and in faraway cities). They also know who is really watching their backs.
They equally know who to follow and who to vote for with the support of elders. They respect elders, as they have done for so many years… It is no longer acceptable that Okigwe Zone should be inhabited by elders who watch children eat vultures instead of okuko Igbo.
This time, both the elders and the youth will be voting for Distinguished Senator Athan Achonu, the Labour Party candidate. Together, let’s take back Imo from the trenches of pain, poverty, and penury to the threshold of grace and prosperity.
It’s “Athanable*
Unu Anwuchula!
…Engr. Chibuikem Diala is Head, Media Team, Athan Achonu Campaign Organistation
