..I have fulfilled the promise I made to my Constituents.
From: IFEANYI Okonkwo
The member representing Awka North constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly Hon. John Nwokoye has defected from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
Hon. Nwokoye during
plenary on Tuesday 12th April 2022 announced his defection to the Anambra lawmakers.
Speaking to correspondents in an interview after plenary, Nwokoye said
“Having widely consulted with stakeholders friends, family and opinion moulders from my Constituency, whose mandate I represent, and with there approval, I decided to join PDP.
“It is important to state here that for far too long my constituency, Awka North has been sidelined in policies and programmes by past APGA administrations deliberately.
“Back then and more recently, all my efforts as a staunch APGA member to positively influence government presence to favour my constituents, was fruitless, as I faced stiff resistance from the executive.
“Therefore, I could not remain in a party where it is impossible for me to champion the course of my people, which was why I thought it best, in their interest, to move to another political party that would meet the needed support.
“The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has given us such platform that will enable us meet the aspirations and yearnings of the people we represent. Having said that, my admiration and respect remains for the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo. He has expressed willingness to partner with ndi Anambra and ready to carry them along, irrespective of their political affiliations.
“Based on the need to ensure the free flow of developmental activities that would better the lots of my constituents, my support, legislative wise, with the new administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo would continue, especially when he has proved beyond doubts that he is a good partner-in-progress.
Hon. John Nwokoye who is the house committee chairman on Agriculture lamented over the negligence and how his constituency have been marginalized.
“The reason why Awka North was established is to bring government closer to the people. That purpose has not been achieved. People from Ebenebe, Amansea travel long distance to excess their local government which is in Achalla. They must pass through five local governments (Awka South, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Oyi and Anambra East) a journey that is more than two hours.
“From Awka to Achalla shouldn’t be more than five minutes if the roads is ok. This road has been politisized right from the regime of Jim Nwobodo. Virtually all the past Governor’s have awarded these road but nothing is been done. Nwokoye lamented.
” All the promises made by the former governor, was invain. I meet him one on one, he made a promise. I put it as a memo, and also as a motion and a resolution was passed by the House of Assembly. I meet the former commissioner for works but non of the promises made was fulfilled.
“I made a statement that if government fails to meet up with my request, I will leave the party because the party failed to advise the former governor to do the needful. We are only asking for the allocation meant for Awka North to be used in developing the constituency.
“I promised the people of Awka North that if the government fails to do the needful, I will defect to another party. Governor Soludo is a man of integrity. He believes in equity and fairness and I believe he will come to our aid.
“The national Chairman is my political mentor but a tree cannot make a forest. Him alone cannot persuade the Governor to do the needful. I expected the party to do so.
“I followed my conscience and as a good representative of my people, am accountable to them and I have fulfilled the promise I made to my Constituents which is that I will not re-contest in APGA if they fail to do the needful.
“My Constituents believe in my idealogy and I know they will vote me back anywhere I am. I promised myself that I will not witch-hunt the government of Anambra state, but I must present the needs of the people of Awka North before government and follow it up.