APC, PDP leaders unite at lawmaker’s mega empowerment programme

The lawmaker representing Obingwa-West Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr., has empowered citizens with empowerment items worth several millions of cash.

The items, which include motorcycles, vehicles and cash support, were part of activities marking his birthday celebration.

The large-scale empowerment programme, which attracted political stakeholders and community leaders across party lines, featured the distribution of more than 150 motorcycles and several vehicles to beneficiaries, alongside other support initiatives designed to boost small businesses, create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods.

Besides the distribution of empowerment items, the event also highlighted an unusual show of political unity, as leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other political groups converged under what participants described as a “rainbow coalition.”

Erondu Jnr. said the empowerment programme was part of his broader commitment to improving the economic well-being of the people through sustainable opportunities.

He said empowering youths, women and vulnerable members of the society remained central to his vision of community development.

He urged beneficiaries to utilise the 150 motorcycles, 15 vehicles and other support items, to grow their businesses and support their families.

The lawmaker reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC, appealing to the President to allow the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, to return to Abia State to contest the 2027 governorship election as the sole candidate of the rainbow coalition, to reposition the state for greater development.

Representing Kalu, Rev. Emma Eke said empowerment initiatives such as the one organised by Erondu Jnr had helped reduce youth restiveness by providing economic opportunities and encouraging self-reliance.

Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Dr. Chris Alozie Akomas, hailed the Uhie-born legislator and announced additional financial assistance to beneficiaries and stakeholders. These include cash donations to individuals and groups drawn from local governments.

Abia State Chairman of APC, Chijioke Chukwu, described Erondu Jnr as a rare leader committed to the development of his people.

He acknowledged the contributions of former Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, and ex-Deputy Governor Dr. Chris Alozie Akomas in delivering democratic dividends to the people.

Chairman of the occasion, Dee Sam Nkire, expressed gratitude to God for blessing the people of Obingwa with what he described as a selfless leader committed to public service.

Quoting Nigerian nationalist Nnamdi Azikiwe, the elder statesman said leaders who remembered their people and treated them well would always earn the trust and support of the electorate.

He described Erondu as a leader with impeccable character, who had consistently demonstrated compassion for the less privileged in the society.

Senator Nkechi Nwaogu lauded the scale of the empowerment programme, noting that it was uncommon for a first-term state lawmaker to undertake such a far-reaching initiative.

She urged the people to continue supporting Erondu Jnr, saying his performance had already demonstrated his capacity for higher responsibilities.

The Chairman of Chairmen (PDP) in the Rainbow Coalition, Emeka Onyenso, a lawyer, described the gathering as historic, noting it was one of the rare occasions where members of APC and PDP jointly supported a grassroots empowerment initiative in Abia State.

Earlier, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Chief Chidiebere Ihenyirimmadu, commended the lawmaker for his sustained commitment to grassroots empowerment.

He recalled that Erondu Jnr carried out a similar initiative barely three months earlier, noting that the programme reflected a genuine desire to uplift the people.

Also speaking, an APC chieftain, Dr. Nyerere Anyim, hailed the celebrant for remembering the needs of the people, hoping the items distributed would improve the economic conditions of the beneficiaries.

Former Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Christopher Enweremadu, said the empowerment initiative stood out because it placed no financial burden on beneficiaries, unlike some schemes that eventually became liabilities.

Former member of House of Representatives, Uzo Azubuike, said generosity was not a function of wealth but of goodwill.

He commended Erondu Jnr for promoting unity across political divides and urged the people to continue supporting him.

Nigerian Ambassador-Designate to the Kingdom of Spain and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ikpeazu, was represented at the event by his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Nkechi Ikpeazu.