From Ifeoma Ejiofor
The political space in Anambra North Senatorial Zone is currently experiencing tension as House of Representatives aspirant, Mr. Egwuatu Mgbiligba, reportedly claimed that Governor Charles Soludo’s 1 Youth 2 Skills initiative is being used to support Madam Stella Oduah.
Mr. Egwuatu Mgbiligba was also alleged to have claimed that the Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, is supporting Madam Stella Oduah, an aspirant for the Anambra North Senatorial seat.
A statement from Onochie Odikosa, Coordinator of Onitsha North SYPSG, reads:
“Wherever our commissioner stands, that is where we are. On Saturday, come out and vote for Stella Oduah and Egwuatu Mgbiligba.
“This is serious business, no sentiment. Make sure you canvass for these aspirants for better days and empowerment ahead.
“If you are having challenges or are being intimidated in your various wards, inform us immediately. Our commissioner is supporting Stella Oduah for Senate and Egwuatu Mgbiligba for Federal House of Representatives.”
Since the statement from the Onitsha North SYPSG Coordinator surfaced in the public space, eminent personalities across the length and breadth of Anambra North Senatorial Zone have condemned the development.
Chief Osita Igwe stated pointedly that it is an aberration for the Commissioner for Youth Development to use his office to canvass support for aspirants in Saturday’s All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) primary election for National Assembly hopefuls.
“It is really unfortunate that Mr. Patrick Aghamba has compromised the process of having free and fair party primaries by allegedly using Governor Charles Soludo’s 1 Youth 2 Skills initiative to canvass support for his preferred candidates.
“Mr. Aghamba has the right to support a candidate of his choice in the scheduled party primaries, but it becomes outrageous and unpardonable for him to publicly use Governor Soludo’s platform who is a father to all the candidates to give undue advantage to his cronies,” Chief Igwe asserted.
He appealed to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, to urgently look into the development, noting that if nothing is done, APGA faithful may begin to believe that the governor has preferred aspirants.
Chief Igwe also called for the immediate sack of the Commissioner for Youth Development over what he described as abuse of office.