By Martin Opara
There was spontaneous jubilation and expression of unrivalled happiness among Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) women in Ebenese, Umuezennachi ward, Ihioma, in Orlu LGA of Imo State, when their son, Engr. Augustine Elochukwu Okeke, former national president of the Alumni association of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) visited and interacted with them.
One of the leaders, in her speech, eulogized the virtues of Engr. Okeke, whom she said is the type of person the constituency needs now, “to ensure quality, and effective representation and for us to get things right”. She, on behalf of her colleagues expressed their willingness to support and mobilize other women and their children for Engr. Okeke, should he accept their request to contest the Orlu state constituency seat, come 2019.
In his response, the renowned engineer, technocrat and administrator said he was impressed and overwhelmed by their show of love and solidarity. He apologized for his inability to honour their several invitations for quite a long time now, saying “I sincerely appologise for my inability to come and answer you all this while. I am also pleasantly surprised and excited by the love and solidarity you have exhibited today, though, I did not know, it is for this purposes. “It is said that charity begins at home and that a prophet is without honour in his home. But, if I am getting this kind of support and acceptance from my own people, it means, we will work together to get the support of the entire constituency when needed”. He also assured them that he is presently a registered member of the PDP. “I have noted your request and will let you know my stand on it in no distant time.