By Anthony
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Diaspora-based legal practitioner and frontrunner senatorial candidate, Attorney Charles Onyirimba, on Sunday hosted leaders and stakeholders from across Okigwe Zone at his country home, where he unveiled what he described as a determined movement to rescue the zone from years of stagnation, poor representation, and underdevelopment.
Welcoming the attendees, Onyirimba expressed deep appreciation for their presence, saying he felt highly honoured by the turnout and the willingness of the people to answer the call for collective action toward rebuilding Okigwe. He subsequently, in line with Igbo tradition, presented kola nut, garden eggs, bitter kola, almond seeds, and choice wines.
Following the opening prayer by Pastor Tony Iwuoma, a roll call of the six local governments in Okigwe Zone was conducted. Five local governments: Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Ihitte-Uboma, Obowo, and Onuimo, were represented, while Okigwe was absent.
Addressing the gathering, Onyirimba lamented what he described as the alarming decline of Okigwe Zone, noting that the area presently lacks infrastructure, unity of purpose, strategic direction, and meaningful development.
According to him, the absence of visionary and selfless leadership has contributed greatly to the backwardness of the zone.
He said the meeting was convened out of a burning desire to leave behind a legacy of change and progress for the people.
“There is virtually nothing to show for Okigwe today. Institutions that once gave the zone identity and pride are either gone or no longer functioning effectively. The Polytechnic was taken away, the College of Education is not doing well, the condition of infrastructure is poor, and our people have remained silent for too long. The time has come to say enough is enough,” he declared.
Onyirimba said his decision to become actively involved in the political future of Okigwe was deliberate and driven by a sense of duty to his homeland.
“I left Nigeria in 1981, but I have never abandoned home. I am not an ‘abroadian.’ For over 35 years, I have remained connected to my people and I know where the shoe pinches,” he stated.
Drawing inspiration from global reformers and nationalist figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Nnamdi Azikiwe, Onyirimba argued that Diasporans often return home with valuable exposure, experience, and ideas capable of transforming society.
He stressed that if elected to represent Okigwe in the Senate, he would prioritise consultation with the people before taking major decisions, insisting that representation must reflect the wishes and needs of constituents.
Onyirimba further outlined plans to empower youths through strategic appointments, mentorship opportunities, and access to government agencies and ministries through legislative assistant programmes.
He disclosed that in a previous effort, he had already secured accommodation for some young people he intended to position within ministries and parastatals in order to expose them to governance processes and opportunities.
The aspirant also revealed that he possesses extensive international contacts and investment networks capable of attracting industries and development projects to Okigwe.
According to him, he had previously initiated discussions with foreign investors aimed at reviving industries, such as poultry and shoe manufacturing in the zone, but political interference frustrated the efforts.
“We need alliances and investments that will create industries and jobs for our people. I have the exposure and contacts to make this happen. Okigwe can become a model others will emulate,” he said.
Onyirimba, who noted that he once served as Speaker of the World Igbo Congress and President of the Nigerian-American Bar Association, maintained that his leadership experience both in Nigeria and abroad has prepared him adequately for public office.
“If I could represent Nigerians successfully in the United States and work with ambassadors across Africa, then I can effectively represent Okigwe and attract meaningful development,” he added.
He promised transparency in the use of constituency funds, insisting that communities would be carried along in determining developmental priorities.
Onyirimba also pledged to leverage his network to help qualified indigenes secure contracts and economic opportunities, including projects through agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC.
“I did not leave my comfort zone in the United States to play politics. I came because our clock is ticking and we must use what God has given us to save our land,” he declared.
The meeting later adopted “Charles Onyirimba Strategic Forum 2027” as its operational platform.
In a motion moved by Dr. Uzor Okafor of Ihitte-Uboma Local Government Area and seconded by Chief Clement Uwazurike of Onuimo Local Government Area, the stakeholders unanimously agreed to work with and support Onyirimba toward the realisation of his senatorial ambition.
All the participants took turns to speak and expressed strong support for Onyirimba’s aspiration and lamented the current state of the zone, saying the level of decay had become so severe that many people now feel embarrassed publicly identifying themselves as coming from Okigwe.
The meeting was coordinated by Chief Ohamadike Oyiriagu from Obowo Local Government Area, who summarised Onyirimba’s message in three points: that he wants to run for the Senate seat, that he is eminently qualified, and that he seeks genuine partnership with the people.
Oyiriagu expressed confidence in Onyirimba’s chances, assuring attendees that the movement was already gaining momentum across the zone.
“There is no failure in my dictionary. As far as I am concerned, Onyirimba is on a one-way journey to success,” he stated.
He further urged leaders from the various local governments to begin aggressive mobilisation ahead of the political task ahead, reminding them that leadership comes with the responsibility of influencing and organising followers toward a common goal.
