By Chigozie Uzosike, Owerri
When experience becomes the only panacea to legislative impact, Ichie Ken Agbim comes handy with his hand-on knowledge.
One time lawmaker at the Imo State House of Assembly that represented the good people of Ahiazu Mbaise state constituency, Agbim was a fine legislator who had the embellishments of capacity and competence. His four years as lawmaker brought developmental milestones to the people of his constituency and beyond.
As minority leader of the House, Agbim was reverred because of his boldness and outspokenness to the issues that concern his party and his constituency. His yes voice revabrated and thundered louder than his colleagues. He was never on the side of indecision. His nay voice always re-echoed the position of needs and demands of the opposition as it were.
For the four years as refined gentleman, no decision was taken without his inputs that reeled out experience. His voice was the only voice that checked the excesses of the government of the day because he speaks to fact.
He was the only lawmaker who was not swayed by the lure of filthy lucre. He chose and preferred the proactive representation of his people to lure of money. He understood that money was not an option in issues of legislation but standing for the people’s wills.
He projected his constituency, Ahiazu Mbaise in a good light. Ahiazu Mbaise became pride of other constituencies during his time because of the impactful representation he brought to bear.
Talking from experience as someone who covered the 8th Assembly as a Journalist for eight years leading as the chairman of the correspondents, I can tell you authoritatively as an active observer of Imo State politics, I do hope and believe, that Ahiazu Mbaise people will return fine politicians like Hon Ichie Ken Agbim back to the House of Assembly or to even represent them at higher positions like Federal House of Representative or Senate.
Such decisions are critical to having a productive and vibrant representation and of course better dividends of democracy. There’s no gainsaying that choosing experience and mental strength over mediocrity is important especially that time has come to field proactive representation.
Since Agbim left office, he has remained relevant in the comity of politics and offering of development ideas for his people has become part of him.
In 2027, it’s important that Ahiazu Mbaise constituents go for the goal by not going into test-running lawmaker but pick her firsts to get them first hand dividend of democracy.
That first eleven lawmaker is Agbim who comes with experience and not one that comes to learn.
