Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu 


By Chidinma Omar


It's yet another endorsement for Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu, Leader and Facilitator of the For Is By Us, FUBU Movement as the Action Progress Akwa Ibom Union, APAIU a socio-cultural association of Akwa Ibom State indigenes resident in Ikwuano LGA has formally endorsed him as a fitting and capable leader and urged him to offer himself for election to the Abia State House of Assembly, to represent Ikwuano State Constituency.

"Ugwumba Chika Ishionwu, you  have distinguished yourself through people-oriented initiatives that have directly impacted all residents across different communities, irrespective of background or origin in Ikwuano LGA and beyond", says Mr Emmanuel Adamson Ufot, Chairman of APAIU during the Union’s executive meeting at Umudike over the weekend.

Mr Ufot who spoke glowingly of Ugwumba Ishionwu’s consistent commitment to community development and grassroots empowerment particularly highlighted the 'Free Bus Scheme to Ndoro Market' from rural communities, describing the project initiated by Ishionwu as one of the most practical interventions they have witnessed in recent times, noting that many of them personally benefitted from the initiative.

In his remarks, the Secretary of the association, Mr Christian Okon, expressed deep gratitude to Ugwumba  Ishionwu, revealing that he and his family were direct beneficiaries of the free transport scheme. He added that his children also participated in the Free JAMB Tutorial, which he said gave them renewed academic confidence and reduced the burden on families.

Okon further disclosed that the Union is fully prepared to play an active role in the political process, stating that as the continuous voter registration begins this February, members of the association would ensure that their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are moved to Ikwuano, for those who are not already voting in Ikwuano in order to effectively participate in the decision-making process within the constituency.

Responding to the endorsement, Ishionwu, who was represented at the gathering by Mr Samuel Uba, appreciated the Union for their confidence and support. He reassured them of his continued commitment to the wellbeing of the people, stressing that his community efforts were driven by genuine compassion and not political ambition.

Uba, speaking on behalf of  Ishionwu, noted that while the call for him to declare has continued to grow louder, (he), Ishionwu remains focused on consultations and would also seek divine guidance before making a final decision on whether to contest.

He, however, assured the gathering that  Ishionwu would continue supporting initiatives that uplift the people, adding that “he has not done all he has been doing for political gains.”

Political actors in Ikwuano described the growing and glowing endorsements for Ishionwu as an appreciation of transformational and pragmatic leadership traits and noted that with the electioneering season gradually unfolding, Ishionwu has clearly emerged as a formidable front runner for the Ikwuano State Constituency seat. 

This reporter gathered that more groups and communities who had benefited from the several intervention programmes initiated by Ishionwu may  likely  continue to mobilise in support of his political aspirations