By Anthony
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The Dikenneato community in Ehime Mbano on Monday received its son, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba, who visited the community to formally brief his kinsmen on his aspiration to represent Okigwe Zone in the Senate in 2027.
The community trooped out in large numbers to welcome Onyirimba, with members describing his aspiration as desirable at a time when, according to them, Okigwe Zone urgently needs a new direction.
Welcoming him, the community chairman, Ndubuisi Ugochukwu, expressed appreciation for the visit, while the coordinator, Emma, said there was hardly any need to introduce Onyirimba to his people, given his accomplishments and longstanding contributions to the community.
He explained that Onyirimba had come to formally inform the Dikenneato people of his political aspiration before embarking fully on the journey, stressing that it was important for a son to first seek the blessing and support of his people.
The coordinator of the event, Emma Mbika, lamented what he described as the developmental gap between Okigwe Zone and other parts of the state, noting that while Orlu and Owerri had witnessed considerable development, Okigwe had continued to struggle with basic infrastructure and higher institutions; even the polytechnic they had at Ehime Mbano was relocated.
Speaking to the gathering, Onyirimba said he was deeply moved to see many people he had not encountered for years and was delighted to return home to share his journey with them.
He recalled growing up in the community, fetching water from streams, gathering firewood and cutting fodder for goats before going to school. He also recalled the lack of basic facilities, including water system toilets.
Onyirimba said his journey from the community to the United States in 1981 was backed by the prayers of his people, that he would one day return and serve his fatherland.
He recalled that even as a young man, he demonstrated a commitment to community development, including establishing an academic union for extra-mural classes. He also cited his role in extending electricity to the community and helping several people secure opportunities in America.
“I have done my best as an individual, but with government, I can do much more,” he told the gathering.
He said his aspiration was not merely about occupying a political office, but about using the influence and resources available to a senator to bring meaningful development to Okigwe Zone.
According to him, if elected, he would prioritise youth empowerment, care for the elderly and the revival of productive employment opportunities, including a proposed return of “Men at Work” in collaboration with local government and state representatives.
He also stressed the importance of understanding the constitutional powers of the Senate and using them effectively in partnership with the governor and other government institutions to demand what is due to the people.
Recalling his long history of public service and leadership in the Nigerian community in America, Onyirimba said he had previously helped unite and organise Nigerians and Igbo communities abroad, adding that the same commitment could be brought to bear on the development of Okigwe Zone.
Turning to the forthcoming election, he invoked the biblical encounter between Moses and God at the Red Sea, asking the people: “What is in your hand?”
He answered: “Your PVC is in your hand. Use it.”
He urged the people to vote for their brother, stressing that their votes would represent their direct participation in the leadership they desired.
The community responded with a collective declaration that Onyirimba “must be there,” while men, women and youths who spoke separately pledged their support and urged him to remain committed to the people.
One woman appealed to Onyirimba to remember the needs of families, children and husbands, while a youth representative urged the people to vote massively for him and, importantly, protect their votes.
He advised him not to be distracted by rumours or political gossip, but to remain focused even as he urged the people to be vigilant from the moment they cast their ballots until the final results are declared.
The meeting ended on a strong note of communal solidarity, with Dikenneato reaffirming its connection with its son and its determination to participate actively in his political journey.
Three men, two women and one youth were allowed to make contributions. The entire Dikenneato community comprising three villages pledged their wholesale support for Onyirimba. They made useful observations and suggestions on how the race could be successfully prosecuted.
Thereafter three men representing the three villages that make up the community offered prayers for Onyirimba, invoking God’s favour, protection and preservation over him.
As the meeting dispersed what was on the people’s lips was Onyirimba’s success and they chorused, “you must be there.”
