The former senator representing Enugu North senetorial zone Sen. Chukwuka Utazi has promised to strengthen the All Progressives Congress in Enugu State rather than undermining any member.
He made this statement during his official reception into the party in Enugu North senatorial zone. He reiterated his reason for leaving the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) which has since neglected and operated against the party’s ideals; while enumerating the good leadership and developmental projects that the APC has brought to the South East, particularly in Enugu State as one of the the reasons of joining the ruling party.
“It is not in my habit to reap where I did not sow. I would always like to work first before anything. I could have joined this party when all works were finished in the last election, but I did say I would join when I will be able to show my workings and contributions. This is the best time to join any party for anyone who wants to work.”
Already, I am working with my colleague in the 8th assembly, the governor general, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the governor of Imo State to ensure that APC wins Anambra State in the coming elections. It shall be 5/5 for APC in the entire South East. It is when APC gets 5/5 in the South East that we shall be given more attention in national politics”, he said.
He highlighted the advantages of joining the national politics. “You are wasting your time if you are not connected to the centre, Enugu must be connected to the centre “, he continued.
“I have played opposition to the fullest while I was in the Senate, including supporting the impeachment of a president when he was not doing well, but what did it profit the zone? I am here to put on my personal contributions to make APC win elections in Enugu State.” he said.
Sen. Utazi “boasted” that he has what it takes to conduct electoral winning campaign for any party in Nigeria. “I have the qualities, but we have to start with the winning of the local government elections and council elections in Enugu State.”
I would have left politics to my legal practice because I have contentment after eight years in the senate but I have come to the APC for a rescue mission in Enugu State”, he said.
Barr. George Ogara, the Deputy Governorship Candidate of APC in 2023, who presided over the reception said in his opening speech that Sen. Utazi entered the party through the right door and not through the Nicodemus window, having met with the presidency, the national party leadership, the state party leadership, the zonal and ward leadership. He assured Mr. Utazi of the zone’s full support.
Chief Ike Ugwuegede among other stakeholders in the zone also welcomed the senator into the party. He said that Sen. Utazi is a catalyst for progress in the party. State woman leader who gave vote of thanks charged the former senator to support the course of the women in the zone.
All wards and local government chairmen and their executive committees including the state executive members from Enugu North senetorial zone were all present to witness the event.