………Gov. Ikpeazu Hails Ex-Member As Jewel Of Abia Politics At Homecoming Event
By Kemi Yesufu
Former chairperson House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Relations, Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje may just be returning to the soapbox in 2023.
The eloquent politician who once served as the official orator of the House of Representatives told Frontline News Online in a recent chat that though 2023 election was still far off, she is someone to watch.
Elendu-Ukeje who spoke to the online platform following the hugely successful homecoming event organised by youths in her federal constituency said she will be keeping her plans close to her chest, adding that, “I think its early days yet, but as the days go by I will unfold my plans. I am still enjoying the euphoria of my home coming. But I guarantee you that this is a space to watch”
On her homecoming event signaling a reconciliation between her, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Abia chapter, the former lawmaker said : “To say that I am fully reconciled would suggest that there was a fight. Let’s just say, I have come back….I took a well-deserved rest. It was a political hiatus for deep reflection. When you say, I have fully reconciled with the PDP, I’d rather see it as standing for something.
“Every time I go out to speak at events, young women walk up to me and say, I inspire them. A lot of people have also said they are interested in joining politics because of me. So, it is important for me reinforce the fact consistency must be an integral part of leadership”.
Recall that Abia political leaders, led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, on Wednesday 12 May honoured Elendu-Ukeje at a grand civic reception organized by youths in her Bende Federal Constituency.
Ikpeazu who led a long list of dignitaries to the eventful ceremony held at the Bende stadium, described the delectable former lawmaker as an invaluable asset to Abia people, saying, she is the “jewel of Abia politics”.
The governor further stated that Abia needs individuals like her to get involved in contributing their own quota to the development of the state. The governor noted that Elendu-Ukeje’s presence which made Abia visible in the National Assembly was being greatly missed. He emphasised that the greatest resource of Abia is its people and outstanding individuals like the former lawmaker.
The State Chief Executive who commended the people of Bende for arranging a civic reception in honour of their daughter, appreciated the Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Onwuchekwa and other leaders and stakeholders from Bende for the initiative and urged them to continue to support Elendu-Ukeje.
The former lawmaker who has been basking in the level of success of the ceremony organised by Bende Youths Forum and Abia Democratic Initiative, described the love shown her as unquantifiable.
She said: “I am very grateful to my people. My homecoming was such an elaborate event. We had the people coming out in their numbers. The people arranged such a successful event on their own. They taxed themselves, such expression of love doesn’t happen in the political space. It was a huge event with my people inviting the governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Deputy Speaker and the PDP state chairman and they all spoke glowingly of me. It was such a wonderful experience.
“I was humbled by the experience. Most people serve and ultimately, they are not recognised by those they served. Walking through the lines of the people, dancing with them, I saw happiness and hope. I believe the duty of a public officer is to sell hope. For a long time I felt these commodities had flown off the shelf.
“But looking at the eyes of the people during my home coming, I could see what I meant to them. For me, it was a eureka moment, I was extremely elated and thankful to God for my people honouring me. It was almost like the biblical moment….the stone which the builders rejected had become the chief cornerstone”.
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