* Onuigbo, (l) & Nwaka


by Tony Icheku


Hon Sam Onuigbo's defection  from PDP to APC still  attracts reactions from Nigerians, even as an APC stalwart submits that the development would be a catalyst for Abia state and South-East political and economic  development.

"The defection of an invaluable political leader like Hon Sam Onuigbo to the APC foretell better days for Abians, nay the South-East geo-political region and thus calls for celebration", says Hon Emma Nwaka, the APC candidate for Ikwuano State Constituency for Abia State House of Assembly election in 2019.

Nwaka was speaking to DailyLedger at Methodist High School, Oboro-Ikwuano LGA during the funeral ceremony for Elder D. Ogbonna, father of Mr Chidi Ogbonna, aka Mbakwe, APC Secretary for Ikwuano.

Hon Onuigbo, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency had  Thursday, during the plenary session of the House of Representatives defected to the ruling party via a letter addressed to the Speaker of the lower chamber. He cited intractable  crises in the opposition PDP amongst others as the reason for his defection.


* Onuigbo (l), & Nwaka

Nwaka, a football buff in photographic description argues that Onuigbo's exit from the PDP is similar to  Barcelona F. C. letting go a prized goaladier like Messi, currently the World's best footballer.

" You don't need a soothsayer to tell you that Hon Onuigbo, a ranking legislator stands shoulders tall amongst his contemporaries. Indeed the opposition party has lost a prized fighter, and the ruling party gained one in the South-East. The development holds great promises. 

"I and Hon Onuigbo are from the same ward, though formerly in opposite camps. He is worth his weight in real terms. Let me remind you that he holds the enviable record of being the first lawmaker from Ikwuano/Umuahia/North/South Federal Constituency to be returned for a second term. 

"In the House, his legislative accomplishments speaks for him, he is currently the Vice-President, (Africa) for GLOBE,  an international science and education program that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity to participate and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment. This is a position he holds on account of the outstanding work he did as Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change during his first term"

Nwaka, responding to a question on the role Onuigbo played in the 2019 House of Assembly election which he, (Nwaka) lost, replied thus: "Like we say in politics, there are no permanent friends, or permanent enemies, but permanent interests. I can assure you that today we share the sames interests - good governance and development of Ikwuano and Abia. I know Hon Onuigbo to be a dogged and pragmatic person, we should look forward to his using his legislative office to attract more goodies to our people", Nwaka maintained