2023: Ebonyi North APC Critical Stakeholders Adopt Elizabeth Ogbaga As Consensus Senatorial Candidate

By Nwogha Ndubuisi, Abakaliki Critical stakeholders in Ebonyi North District of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Friday 20th May, 2022 endorsed the immediate past Commissioner For Culture And Tourism, Hon.(Barr) Elizabeth Ogechi Ogbaga as consensus candidate for the senatorial position come 2023.

The stakeholders which cut across the four Council Areas of the zone among, Ebonyi, Ohaukwu, Abakaliki and Izzi adopted Barr Ogbaga in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital. Presenting the senatorial aspirant, Chief Goddy Ogbaga,(Ezeudo) former Minister of State for Power And Steel, appreciated supporters for rallying round the family in the journey to ensure a credible candidate emerged as the senator representing Ebonyi North Zone in the upcoming general election.

Chief Ogbaga noted that the position of the Senate does not only required knowledge and experience but maturity cum wisdom as to properly legislate for the overall interest of ones constituency. He revealed that he dropped his senatorial ambition to support the wife after his consultations with some leaders and well wishers where gender played a role, thereby, allowing the former national assembly member to take the mantle while all necessary support would be given to her to ensure she succeeds. He called on his teaming supporters to continue giving their support to Barr Ogbaga as her track records and being a close associates would ensure the zone regain its lost glory.

According to him,"It is a thing of joy and I must commend all of you and members of my family for your love, patience and understanding over this critical issue. I cannot thank you enough. " My family appreciates your support and commitment to this noble course. "The issue of Ebonyi North senatorial position requires maturity and wisdom. it is instructive to note that senators are entrusted with legislative responsibilities and decision making at superlative level. This explains why most senators are former governors, former Ministers, elderly people etc.

"I had inspired over the years from 2003 to attain this position and had been frustrated by manmade impediments. At various times promises that were made with witnesses over this issue were unfortunately not kept. "At other times, people that seemed to be close associates also did everything to ensure that this aspiration was frustrated. This is strange and contrary to our expectations. However, we have confidence and trust in God who never fails nor disappoints.

He added,"In the present circumstances, a combination of factors especially from people that didn't mean well has compelled me to re-examine my position on this matter. "I also made consultation with members of my family,leaders, friends, well wishers and it was advised that the issue of gender being a responsible female and experienced public servant needed to come to play. Her legislative experience, exposure and her maturity were also taken into account. Continuing, " Consequently and in the light of unavoidable and compelling circumstances, it was appropriate and advised that my wife Hon. Barr. Mrs Elizabeth Ogechi Ogbaga be allowed to contest the senatorial election for Ebonyi North Zone come 2023. I have accordingly accepted this necessary and compelling advise.

Responding, the former national assembly member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency, Hon.(Barr) Ogechi Elizabeth Ogbaga who was visibly happy applauded the stakeholders for the unprecedented support. She explained that the honor done unto her by the endorsement would not be taken for granted and added that if voted in as the senator representing Ebonyi North Zone that the people would not regret the chance as records have proven that "what most men cannot do, that a woman has done it better".

Ogbaga who had served as Reps member said she would bring her wealth of experiences into the fore, and recounted that as a former national assembly member that legislative business has become part of her and that's an advantage to any other fresh contender. She appealed to the people to support her ambition as to bridge equity suffered by Ebonyi Council Area since the inception of democracy, even as, she use her motherly role to ensure that graduates, youths and entire zone are given proper representation.

In their separate speeches, one of the stakeholders from Ohaukwu, Mr Agashi Benard, and Hon. Ogbonna Gabriel from Izzi Council Areas called on the people of the zone to rally round the former state Commissioner to represent the North zone as her antecedents have proven her fit for the position. Ogbonna further hinted that the coming out of Barr Ogbaga would go a long way to cement the gap between the constituents and their leader and added that the people had suffered neglect at the boundary communities. He revealed that the war torn community of Igbeagu in Izzi Local Government Area was badly neglected as matters affecting the war ridden community was barely discussed in the red chamber as common among other serving representatives which has resulted to increase in poverty and dejection in the area. He appealed to the people of the zone to unite in support of the senatorial aspirant, Hon. Ogbaga due to her antecedents as to enable her bring back government's attention to the area which she fought for peace when she served as the national assembly member representing Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency. Others who spoke including, Hon. Egbedike Michael, from Abakaliki, Hon. Mathew Ojiugwo, Nkwegu Lebechi, among others appreciated the senatorial aspirant for boldly stepping out to contest the position and assured her of full support from the entire zone. Meanwhile, the event featured endorsement of Hon Ogechi Elizabeth Ogbaga by the stakeholders from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of Ohaukwu, Abakaliki, Ebonyi and Izzi Local Government Areas as moved by Chief Fidelis Ozibo and was seconded by Chief Godwin Nwode.