The re-election bid of the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma on Saturday, received a boost from no fewer than 1,500 youths from the Labour Party, known as the Obidient youths, and some women from Okigwe Senatorial Zone, cutting across political parties, and support groups, who held a solidarity rally in his support ahead of the forthcoming November 11 governorship election in the state.
The Saturday rally in Okigwe was organised by women leaders in the 64 wards, particularly the Director General of NEPAD, Mrs Gloria Akobundu and the lawmaker resenting Okigwe North federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Mariam Onuoha among others.
However, Obedient youths revealed that the governor had shown leadership capacity and has verifiable track records of better human relationships which his opponents contesting for the office of the Governor of Imo State, do not have.
While the supporters were marching through the major streets of Owerri on Saturday, before converging on the Okigwe Roundabout where they were received by Governor Uzodimma, the Obedient youths said that they had reserved their voter cards for Uzodimma and would use them accordingly to re-elect the governor on November 11, 2023.
Speaking on behalf of the group during the rally, the leader of the group, Emeka Mandela, told the governor that the love he has shown them, his governance in Imo State, his programmes, and support for the youths and more, were some of the reasons they decided to support him till he gets reelected in the coming election.
Reacting to the gestures, Uzodimma thanked the Obidient youths for coming out in their numbers to support his aspiration based on their conviction of his performance.
The Governor stated that his government acknowledges the place of the youths as future leaders of the country and Imo State in particular.
He however assured them that he would continue to partner with them in the interest of the society.
The event which was held at the Central School, Anara attracted key leaders from the Okigwe zone, including the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe; Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Cosmos Iwu; former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; APC leader, Chief Tony Chukwu; the former House of Representatives member, Deacon Chike Okafor; the House of Assembly member representing Isiala Mbano; Hon Sam Osuji and former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Emeka Nduka.
Other people who attended the event were: Chief (Mrs) Nkechi Mbonu, Chief Joe Frank Ijezie, Chief Ruby Emele, Chief Majority Emenike, and Barr. Gerry Egemba, Lady Love Ineh, Comrade Simon Ebegbulem, Lady Blessing Nwoba, and numerous political appointees from Okigwe Zone.
Mrs Akobundu during her welcome address, said the rally was a peace rally, targeting the distribution of palliatives and an activity that would bring all the leaders, sons and daughters of Okigwe together.
According to her, the event was for them to resolve how to appreciate Governor Uzodimma for the good things he is doing for Okigwe zone, and Imo State in general as November 11 beckons.
She therefore urged the women, men, and youths to use their votes to further appreciate the Governor for all the good things Okigwe has benefited from his administration.