The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Abia Central Senatorial zone in 2023 elections, Col Austin Akobundu rtd, has bagged the title of Ugwu Abia from the Apu Ukwu Kingdom in Isiala Ngwa South LGA of Abia State, even as the traditional ruler of the kingdom who conferred the Award described him as a man that should be celebrated by all Abians because of his leadership qualities.
Conferring the Award on the PDP candidate, who is also a former Minister of State Defence, the monarch, King Solomon Mark Ogudoro, explained that the former minister used his position as a public servant to improve the lots of Abia people, particularly those in Abia Central Senatorial district.
He therefore prophesied that the former minister will record a resounding victory in 2023 poll, stressing that his election into the Red Chamber in 2023 is already a foregone conclusion.
“Go and mark it somewhere, Akobundu will be sworn in at the Senate in 2023 because God has ordained it. Any person contesting the seat against you is wasting his time. You’re the ordained of God for the seat”, he prophesied.
The monarch noted that the PDP candidate has been a frontline figure in the political structure of Nigeria and that he (Akobundu) has shown resilience, strong presence and prestige in the public space of the country.
While receiving the chieftaincy Award, the former minister described Isiala Ngwa people as his trusted friends, adding that the monarch has been a man of God who continually offered prayers for him even while pursuing other endeavours.
He believed that the traditional institution should be revered at all times and assured Eze Ogudoro of his commitment to attract more federal presence in Abia Central if given the opportunity to represent the people at the Senate in 2023.
“His Royal Highness has been a trusted friend who has severally offered prayers to me. He’s also a man of God whose prophesies always come to fulfillment; I’ll continue to partner with him as well as the good people of Isiala Ngwa South, Isiala Ngwa North and Osisioma’, the PDP Abia Central hopeful assured.
The former minister was accompanied to the palace of the traditional ruler by the Director General, Austin Akobundu Campaign Council, Pastor Emeka Inyama, Commissioner for Intergovernmental Affairs, Hon. Obinna Okey, the aspirant for the Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Dennis Rowland, the Executive Chairman of Ikwuano LGA, Chief Stephen Mpamugo, the Executive Chairman of Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Iyke Anyatonwu, former T.C Chairman, Ikwuano LGA, Elder Henry Nwaoha, Hon. Ekeleme Ekije amongst other dignitaries.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
