Nnewi, Anambra – The son of the first Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Akweke Nwafor Orizu, Prince Onwa Nwafor Orizu, has declared to contest the Anambra South Senatorial District by-election.
Orizu, who made his intention known while briefing Journalists at his Ndiakau-Otolo Nnewi country home in Nnewi North Local Government Area of the State on Sunday, said he is contesting under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to complete the tenure of late Senator Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.
Converseer reports that the by-election scheduled for January 2025 by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is to fill the vacuum of the late Senator Ubah, who passed away in London on July 27, 2024, after a brief illness.
Speaking further on his agenda for the people of Anambra South Senatorial District, the PDP noted that he is vying for the position to enable him to complete the good legislative work that the late Senator Ubah started.
According to him, “I am not contesting as a political jobber. I am contesting to attract a federal presence to Anambra South.
“I am not into politics to distribute rice or pursue money at the National Assembly. I am joining the race to help create job opportunities for the youth and empower vulnerable people across the Senatorial District that houses seven local government areas: Aguata, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South and Ihiala.
“I was born and raised in a political home.
“My decision to fill the vacuum left by the demise of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah was to create purposeful representation, in contrast to the prevailing circumstances where pittance is shared with constituents in the name of quality representation and palliatives.
“My intention is not to amass wealth but to contribute my quota to the development of the senatorial zone.
“I am going to the Senate to engage in the politics of self-enrichment, sharing bags of rice and motorcycles, but to sponsor bills and motions that will improve security, bring development, and elevate the standard of living for the people he will represent.
“The decision to replace late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in the Red Chamber didn’t arise from a mere desire to be a senator. I don’t see politics as a business venture but as a means of service.
“Anyone may claim they are coming to serve the people, but when they get there, they may amass wealth and enrich themselves at the expense of the people. Today, lawmakers have turned the National Assembly into a business centre, where they pad budgets and influence contracts.
“For me, I’m not going into politics to make money but to contribute my quota to the welfare of the people. I will sponsor legislation that will make a permanent impression on the lives of the people,” he said.
He also expressed support for the opinion that Nnewi North Local Government Area should be allowed to complete Senator Ubah’s tenure before the slot rotates to another local government.
“Before I decided to run, we met Senator Ubah’s wife and persuaded her to contest, but she refused. I am of the opinion that Nnewi North should be allowed to complete late Senator Ubah’s remaining tenure. I’m saying this not out of greed, but on moral grounds. If Nnewi completes Ubah’s tenure, the slot will then move to other council areas on a rotational basis,” he concluded.
