Citizens Samuelson Iwuoha, Owerri
In his prolific and phenomenal character of alleviating the living condition of his constituents and the downtrodden, the Member Representing Ehime Mbano State Constituency at the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Engr Bernard Ozoemenam, has placed on monthly salary, the eleven (11) Ward Women Leaders, including the Local Government Woman Leader of the All Progressive Congress, APC, of Ehime Mbano Local Government Area.
This act of love and human compassion came to reality when Hon Engr Ozoemenam received the APC Women Leaders from Ehime Mbano local government area, led by the LGA Woman leader, Mrs Ndidi Mbaeyi, who came on a courtesy visit to his office at the Assembly complex on Thursday, 25th July 2024.
While congratulating them for remaining steadfast, committed and loyal to the ruling party and the 3-R Shared Prosperity leadership, Hon Ozoemenam admonished them to remain focused in galvanizing membership for the party and abiding by its dictates, especially, as local government council election draws closer.
Hon Ozoemenam, who is the House Committee Chairman On Humanitarian Affairs, Nutrition And Food Security, further explained to the Women leaders that he has no special candidates in the forthcoming local government council election, both for the Chairmanship and Councilorship positions, assuring that candidates would emerge in a free and fair primary.
In his words, the very humble lawmaker said, “What is important is that an Ehime Mbano Son or Daughter must emerge the Elected Executive Chairman. In choosing candidates, there must be primary. I therefore urge you to abide by the dictates of our party. Only registered party members should be the people to buy forms”.he said
On the allegation that the LGA Party Chairman does not relate and delegate responsibilities to the LGA Woman leader, ditto, Ward women leaders, but prefers to allegedly use a non-party official called Lady Franca, to run the affairs and responsibilities of the office of LGA Woman leader, the only voice from Ehime Mbano State Constituency condemned the act if found to be true.
He stated,”the LGA Party Chairman has no right and power to use any other woman outside the LGA Woman leader and Ward Women leaders to do his job. The LGA Party Chairman should carry the Woman leader along, just as the Ward Chairman should carry the Ward Woman leader along. As Woman leaders in your respective Wards, you should take charge and be in full control. I will ensure the reported Lady Franca, who is allegedly a civil servant, is called to order”. the lawmaker stated
Hon Engr Ozoemenam, further assured the Ehime Mbano Women Leaders that he would never abandon them, especially, in the face of the current socio-economic situation in the country, reminded them that he has always hosted and taken care of them, just as he does to other party officials, with the little resources available to him.
“I have always ensured amenities like rice etc, are shared equitably”.he submitted
Moving forward and in a bid to alleviate the living condition of the Women leaders, Hon Ozoemenam announced that he has henceforth placed, on monthly salary, the 11 Ward Women leaders, including the LGA Woman leader of the APC of Ehime Mbano local government.
This measure, according to the lawmaker, is intended to lift the women leaders out of misery, poverty and want, which they complained of.
Earlier, the LGA woman leader, Mrs Ndidi Mbaeyi, had informed the vibrant lawmaker that she led the ward women leaders to come and appreciate him for all the wonderful things he has been doing for them, describing him as a leader with human kindness. According to Mrs Mbaeyi,
“we are proud of you. We listen to news from the legislative Arm of Government. We do follow your contributions on the floor of the House. Your Bills and Motions are people-oriented, and you have not abandoned or forgotten to attend to us. You are the only one we always run to, for succor and protection. Apart from you, it appears we have been abandoned and relegated to the background”.she stated
On the forthcoming local government council election, taking place in September 2024, Mrs Mbaeyi complained that nobody has deemed it fit to call or invite them to a meeting for proper briefing.
She further appealed that certain percentage of the positions being contested for be ceded to women, in the spirit of 35% women affirmative action, while calling on only people of credibility, integrity and with the fear of God to be elected.
Contributing, the woman leader of Agbaja Ward, Mrs Charity Alatuogu, commended Hon Bernard Ozoemenam for not abandoning or disappointing them even for a day,
While describing the lawmaker as reliable, she appealed that they should be included in the scheme of things, while calling for good leaders to emerge in the forthcoming council election.
Also speaking, the Woman leader of Umuezeala Ward, Mrs Martha Uwa, eulogized the lawmaker for being the first and only leader to buy uniform clothing attire for Ehime Mbano women leaders.
Other Women Leaders who are part of the entourage include Mrs Helen Iwu, Woman Leader, Umukabia Ward,Mrs Juliana Anyanwu, Woman Leader, Umueze 2 Ward,Mrs Helen Ogoke, Woman Leader, Umueze 1 Ward,Mrs Felicia Egu, Woman Leader, Ikpensu Ward,Mrs Ann-Mary Obi,Woman Leader, Umualumaku Ward,Mrs Esther Duru,Woman Leader Umunumu Ward,Mrs Nma Aro, Woman Leader, Nzerem Ward,Mrs Mary Okpara, Woman Leader, Umunakanu Ward and Mrs Caro Okorie,Woman Leader, Ihitte-Nsu Ward.
