By Rose Oranye
The success or failure of an event can only be measured by feelings and expressions of satisfaction or dissatisfaction, contentment or discontentment by participants at all levels. This is why it is not always a big deal that something is done, but how well it is done matters a lot.
It is therefore not for nothing that the story of Ogbaru Local Government All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Stakeholders Rally hosted on Saturday, February 3, 2024, by the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu, is still being talked about with relish by both participants and observers weeks after the event.
The rally which held at the Commissioner’s hometown, Atani, was aimed at interacting to remind themselves of their responsibilities as party stakeholders.
According to the commissioner, other intentions of organizing the rally were to celebrate the New Year with his APGA family, present the Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze to the APGA family in Ogbaru, and to give opportunity to other political party members that are eager to join the APGA family.
The event attracted dignitaries like the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, Anambra State APGA Chairman, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, Chairman, Ogbaru Local Government Area, Mr Pascal Aniegbunam, Ogbaru LGA APGA Chairman, Pastor Onochie Anibueze, Chairman, Relief Market Ogbaru, Mr Ndubisi Ochiogu, Mr Franklin Nwadialor, Mr Linus Ezenwamma, Hon Ikenna Nwabugwu and Barr Afubero, among other APGA faithful and political leaders in the area .
What was manifest to all who attended the event were signs of an organized man on a mission to get things done the right way, and make people know the truth to enable them pitch tent with the drive of their conscience while taking future political decisions.
Activities and speeches from the event further showcased Nwosu as a man at home with his people, language and culture, with obvious interest in maintaining order while synching Ogbaru people in APGA and the Solution Government. A certain touch of class cut across the activities at the event. Unlike the rowdy nature of political gatherings of that sort, the programme was not only well coordinated but snappy, even as it didn’t lose the familiar taste or characteristics of a political rally.
Of course, APGA Women Leaders were on ground, spicing the occasion with praise songs for the Solution Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, the host, party leaders and others at intervals.
It was like the genteel nature of the host infected other facilitators of the rally. Their general conduct and the calibre of people in attendance shocked some participants, particularly those who regard themselves as high-profile politicians, who were there to confirm that the ever gentle commissioner can never get anything right in politics. Most of them had earlier teased him that it’s not about writing or blowing grammar. Those who were there to guide or teach the “natad baby politician” what to do and how to do things discovered that they have a lot to learn from him.
The poise and polish the Commissioner exhibited in all the activities, particularly breaking of kolanut, speeches and dancing to the beautiful tones of the popular Egwu Ogene was admirable.
In fact, the rally was so ordered that both the ordinary and special guests were so relaxed and not in a hurry to leave the venue even when the programme ended. This gave enough room and time for the much cherished merriments and interactions.
Indeed, Nwosu was able to put off the rudeness, coarseness and rowdiness associated with political gatherings and still achieved more than the desired aims – showing that he is a good strategist.
Apart from reactions from discussions, side talks and jokes shared among the participants and observers, his ability to strategize was confirmed by the spokesperson of the group decamping from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join APGA, Mrs Patricia Obesem, popularly known as Enyinwa. While explaining why she decided to leave PDP for APGA, she said she was enticed by the good deeds of Sir Paul Nwosu, whom she described as a strategist.
According to her, “I want to join APGA because I like what the governor is doing. He started work with Ogbaru and has given Ogbaru a sense of belonging by making our sons Speaker and Commissioner, respectively, among other things. I must also appreciate the Commissioner for Information, Ojinnaka. He is a strategist. The way he handles things enticed me and I decided to join him in APGA”.
On his part, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, couldn’t help but marvel at the success of the event and the calibre of dignitaries in attendance. While expressing happiness and surprise over the visit of the state’s APGA Chairman, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, the Speaker said: “I thank Paul Nwosu, the Chief Host. I call him Leader because I made him leader in APGA. He does his things in a very gentle manner but I know he is well prepared…”
He further assured that APGA will grow in the council area as the process of uniting the party has started. “I do not believe in personal development, I believe in the spirit of ‘onye aghana nwanne ya’. I believe in Ogbaru Party. We will support whoever is good…”
The Speaker also announced that he would unveil his plans for APGA and Ogbaru on February 17, and emphasized the importance of collective participation.
In his remarks, the state chairman of APGA, Barr Ifeatu Obi-Okoye thanked Commissioner Nwosu for hosting the rally, disclosing that APGA is coming up with the Kindred Structure which must grow from the grassroots.
According to him, with the Kindred Structure of APGA, there will be proper representation, effective delivery of democracy dividends, and election victory is assured.
The local government party chairman, Pastor Onochie Obiora noted that Governor Soludo’s government is different from all they had seen regarding his love for Ogbaru and assured that they will work for APGA to emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.
Earlier in an address, the host of the rally and Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu highlighted some of the projects embarked on by the Prof. Soludo-led administration in Ogbaru, which includes reconstruction of Umunankwo/ Ossomalla Bridge, Construction of Ekwusigo/Atani Road, Employment/ Empowerment of Ogbaru indigenes and construction of about nine roads in Okpoko, among others.
He advised Ogbaru people to reciprocate the love by standing firm in supporting APGA in future elections.
Generally, the event showcased a united front of APGA leaders and stakeholders, promising a dynamic year ahead for the party in Ogbaru LGA.
