Nnewi, one of the largest communities in Anambra has suddenly become the new bride in the build up to the forthcoming November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election scheduled to hold in the state as two leading opposition parties in the state namely; the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have both picked their running mates from the community.
It will be recalled that former Governor Peter Obi’s Deputy and a one time Governor of Anambra state, Dame Virgy Etiaba also come from the community.
While the PDP picked Lady Chidi Alexandra Onyemelukwe (Nee Ekwueme), the daughter of the first Executive Vice President of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme, the APC picked the son of the foremost Nnewi born medical practitioner and former President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Mr. Dozie Ikedife jnr.
Presenting his running mate to the party faithful in Awka yesterday, the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Oseloka Obaze said that Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe was selected for the job from a shortlist of very eminently qualified PDP faithful.
Obaze noted that the choice of Onyemelukwe was arrived at after about three weeks of painstaking consultations with his family, the PDP hierarchy (both National and State) stakeholders in Anambra and beyond, and the leadership of the Anglican Communion in the state.
According to him,”In compliance with provisions of Section 187(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) I, Oseloka Henry Obaze, after about three weeks of painstaking consultations with my family, the PDP hierarchy (both National and State) Stakeholders in Anambra and beyond, and the leadership of the Anglican Communion, wish to present formally to Ndi Anambra in particular and Nigeria in general, Lady Chidi Alexandra Onyemelukwe, my running mate for the November 18th 2017 Anambra State Gubernatorial election. She was selected from a shortlist of very eminently qualified PDP faithful.
“In accordance to the Constitution and Electoral Guidelines of our great party, as well as the INEC Guidelines, Lady Chidi Onyemelukwe’s candidature along with mine, has been duly submitted to INEC, through the National Caretaker Committee (NCC).
“The association between Lady Chidi’s family and mine goes a long way back; and to my earliest childhood memories. More importantly, Lady Chidi comes to this state and national assignment with rich personal accomplishments, impeccable credentials and high pedigree. A learned person, she is a Lady of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Diocese and the first daughter of former Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Dr. Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme.
“Lady Chidi is a graduate of Law from the University of Wales in the United Kingdom and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1990. She also bagged her Masters Degree in International Law and Diplomacy and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Lagos and Duquesne University, Pittsburg in the United States, respectively. In academia, she had a brief stint as an Adjunct Professor of Finance in Florida, USA. Currently, as a private citizen, her focus has been in Real Estate Law Practice and International Business.
She is a promoter of excellent and qualitative education, and has a great passion for the advancement of women affairs and for female gender mainstreaming in Governance. Accordingly, she has run a foundation that is critically focused on development of human capital via education. Lady Chidi also had the opportunity and privilege in the past to serve this country as the Chairman, Board of Directors, Federal Housing Authority and also as Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).
“You will all agree with me that Lady Chidi has the requisite administrative experience to drive our broad vision of taking our dear state to the very zenith where it truly deserves to be. Her experience on Small and Medium scale enterprises is vital to our vision of creating employment for our large number of teeming youths and also for women empowerment. I am glad about these qualities that she is bringing on board and I must say it’s a privilege to have her on our team. She is certainly among the very best, because Anambra deserves the best”.
He pointed out that as deputy governor, Lady Onyemelukwe would be his partner in turning Anambra state around and returning her to the trajectory, where the state was not just working, but would be an example that other states must seek to emulate.
“Furthermore, her selection is a strong public pronouncement of my commitment to gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and a 60-40 targeted ratio in political appointments. I look forward to our collaboration and shared responsibilities in delivering good governance and dividends of democracy to our people in Anambra State”, he stated.
Lady Onyemelukwe is happily married to Engr. (Dr.) Okey Onyemelukwe of Nnewichi, Nnewi and their union is blessed with five children.
Meanwhile, the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Tony Nwoye has nominated Mr. Dozie Ikedife jnr. as his running mate.
Mr. Dozie Ikedife jnr. was born and bred at Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra state.
He attended Federal Government College, Enugu and proceeded for further studies at Atlanta University,Georgia.
Ikedife jnr. holds Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in Accounting. He lives among his people in Nnewi.
His choice as APC’s Governorship running mate, many believed was a wonderful choice from the party as the government if enthroned come November 18, 2017, will be for the youths, meant to address the problems of the youths in the state.
Send your news, press releases/articles to augustinenwadinamuo@yahoo.com. Also, follow us on Twitter @reportersinfo and on Facebook on facebook.com/primetimereporters or call the editor on 07030661526, 08053908817.
