Local government administration in Imo State has witnessed a hiatus for a long period of time in the early decades of the 21st century. The branch of government which is closest to the people at the grassroots level has been left to rot in ‘auto pilot’ mode since the administration of Rochas Okorocha. In the last days of his administration, he orchestrated a sham local government election in which he used it as an instrument to install his stooges as local government chairmen in the 27 local government area of Imo State. The purpose of that is a discussion for another day. Thus, 2018, the LGs in Imo State have been without a central figure except at different points in time when Sole Administrators were appointed to oversee the affairs of the local governments. However, they were still tied to the apron strings of the governor.
On July 11 2024, the Supreme Court in a landmark judgement reaffirmed the autonomy of the local governments while ruling that it is illegal for the state government withhold funds allocated to the LGAs. The timing of the judgement inauspiciously coincided with the period the Imo State Government has marked out for LG elections. Following this, many candidates across various parties have indicated their intention to run for the top office at the local level. One of such candidates especially for Nwangele Local Government Area is Prince Nwabueze ‘Opara Nwangele’ Akano.
Born of royal descent, Prince Nwabueze Akano is an upbeat, youthful and enterprising grassroot mobilizer who entered the race with a big bang. His passion and burning desire to emerge the council chairman shows a young man with purpose and vision.
He is as an aspirant who is shorn of any negative political baggage and this means he’s starting on a tabula rassa. Imbued with accountability and leadership skills as early as his teen years, at 17 he was elected financial secretary of the Akano Royal family Assembly. From there, his leadership skills followed an upward trajectory as he would later be elected the Vice President of Umuezealaorioha youths which was later followed up by being elected as the President of the youths in the community. He was given the title of “Opara Nwangele” by Nwangele Students Association in 2003 as a mark of his sterling contribution to human and capacity development. He is currently the Global Chairman, Umuezealaorioha Community Union and Deputy Governor of United Isu Progressive Union. This has clearly demonstrated a history of proven track record in community service and administration and being elected to the top office in our local government would see other communities benefit from his Midas touch.
As a community leader per excellence, he possesses exceptional leadership qualities which inspires trust and confidence. In addition he is dedicated to addressing the unique needs and concerns of Nwangele LGA. In terms of accessibility, he is approachable and has a keen knack for listening to the yearnings of the led. In the various positions he has held, he displayed exceptional and enviable transparency and integrity and this will bring value to the kind of governance our people need.
As D-Day draws near, I hope Nwangele people will vote for transparency and visionary leadership if they have posterity in mind.
Akano Chibuzo
Owerri
📌Naijafreshgist.com
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