2027 Mbaitoli State Constituency: Group drums support for Chukwuezi
. Raises alarm against intimidating female aspirants
By Everest Ezihe, Owerri
As political aspirants of All Progressives Congress, APC advanced plans and strategies for the political party’s next week primaries inview of the forthcoming political dispensation, a group under the auspices of Integrity Organization, Mbaitoli chapter has thrown their weight behind Dr. Mrs Elizabeth Chukwuezi, (Nwanyi Alaeze) patriotic ambition to represent the council area in Imo State House of Assembly.
The revered organization stated this in a press statement titled; Stop The Unfair Treatment of Women In Mbaitoli Politics, Justice, Equity And Fairness Must Prevail as signed by Hon. Israel Onwukwe and Chief Darlington Ekechukwu, the chapter’s Chairman and Secretary respectively.
The group vehemently cautioned against undue intimidation and harassment of female political aspirants in the State and most especially in Mbaitoli LGA.
They also expressed disappointment that, “it’s deeply unfortunate and disheartening that Hon. Dr.Mrs. Elizabeth Chukwuezi is currently being subjected to obvious unfair treatment simply because she is a woman who has courageously dared to step forward to contest for the position of member representing Mbaitoli State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly under the political platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They recalled that, “for the very first time in the political history of Mbaitoli, a woman boldly purchased both the Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms to contest for the State Assembly seat, and have been cleared by the party.
“This singular act should ordinarily be celebrated, encouraged, respected and supported by every lover of democracy, inclusiveness, justice and progressive politics.
“Unfortunately, instead of encouragement and equal treatment, what we are witnessing is intimidation, hostility, desperation and attempts to suppress a woman whose only “offence” is believing that women also deserve a voice and representation in leadership” they decried.
The non governmental organization further pointed out that, “this is not just about Hon. Mrs. Elizabeth Chukwuezi alone. This is about the image of Mbaitoli. This is about the future of women participation in politics. This is about whether we truly practice the democracy, inclusiveness and fairness we publicly preach”.
They expressed happiness that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has consistently advocated for women inclusion, women participation and gender balance in governance and political leadership.
They also re-emphasized that APC as a ruling national political party is progressively and inclusively oriented, especially in encouraging women participation in politics and governance.
“Therefore, any attempt to frustrate, intimidate or unfairly treat a female aspirant contradicts the spirit and vision of inclusiveness which our party proudly represents”.
The group rekindled the State Constituency’s political history and established culture informing that no previously elected House Member of the State Constituency ever received a nod for a second tenure.
They passionately observed that the spirit of justice, fairness and equity upon which the State constituency has operated has always supported equal opportunity and rotational understanding.
“The long-standing Charter of Equity within Mbaitoli has always upheld the principle that the State Assembly seat should not become a personal entitlement or permanent possession of anyone”.
According to the socio-political crusading group, “any attempt by anyone to manipulate the process or insist on a second tenure, automatically undermines the very principles of justice, fairness and equity which Mbaitoli people are known for.
They noted that such actions, creates unnecessary tension, division and political bitterness capable of destabilizing the peace and unity within the ruling party and the council area.
They equally advised that politics, should never be treated as a do-or-die affair, and that leadership is a privilege, not a birthright, while insisting that every aspirant deserves equal opportunity, fair hearing and respectful treatment, irrespective of gender, status or political alignment.
They seriously canvassed on the need for the populace to collectively reject desperation, intimidation and political oppression, stating that political desperation has never produced peace, progress or unity, but rather, it destroys relationships, weakens institutions and creates avoidable crises.
“This is the time for all stakeholders, party leaders, supporters and political actors to embrace maturity, fairness and political tolerance.
“Mbaitoli belongs to all of us. No individual is bigger than the collective interest of our people.No woman should be victimized for aspiring to serve her people.No aspirant should be treated unfairly for exercising a constitutional and democratic right.
”Let justice prevail, let fairness speak,
let equity guide us, and above all, let us remain united as one APC family for the progress of Mbaitoli” they patriotically advised.
