A sociopolitical group, Ogoja/Yala Amalgamated Political Forum, OYAPF, has called on Henry Igelle Onwe, to contest the Yala/Ogoja House of Representatives seat recently made vacant with the Appeal Court ruling in favour of its present occupant, Jarigbe Agom.
A statement made available to newsmen in Calabar at the weekend and signed by its Chairman and Secretary respectively, Attary Moses and Sunday Uko, the group said it has put in place a machinery to mobilise support for the success of Onwe at the poll when INEC conducts the election.
“We know INEC will soon announce a time table for the election into the Yala/Ogoja Federal Constituency position recently made vacant by the Appeal Court’s ruling of August 14, 2021, in favour of Jarigbe Agom who occupies the seat to move to the Senate. That is the reason we are clamouring for Onwe to succeed him because he has what it takes”
The group said within the past two weeks it has made consultations and background checks in the local governments that make up the federal constituency on who should fittingly occupy the position and the lot falls on Onwe.
“Our extensive background checks in both Ogoja and Yala Local Government Areas indicate unambiguously that Onwe is the most acceptable person to occupy the position occasioned by his selfless disposition, accessibility, philanthropy, integrity and commitment to the common good”
According to the group, its membership cuts across all the political wards in the federal constituency and calls on His Excellency, the digital governor of the state to heed to the plea of the people in order to make way for seamless victory in favour of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the election.
“Chief Onwe has always been a committed party man and has occupied sensitive positions and worked assiduously for success at the polls while in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in various elections and now that he has moved with His Excellency to the APC, he remains a factor and strong force to determine the outcome of any election so the cap fits him for the Reps post”.
The group made up of mainly young men and women added that Ukelle, the political zone where Onwe comes from has not had the opportunity to occupy any National Assembly position in the past and this is a veritable time to ensure equity by allowing someone with the appropriate contacts and capability to occupy the slot.
“Our appeal is passionate to our dear Governor and all political leaders in the state to accede to this clarion call and make history with a popular person who is Henry Igelle Onwe and ensure victory in the election.”
The group said though Onwe is yet to make his position known, it is imperative for him to answer the call of the people and “we will do everything including buying him the necessary forms to contest the election because it is for the good of the people” The group concluded
