As the clock is ticking towards the conduct of local government elections coming up later this September, the people of Ngor Okpala are concerned about the best candidate for the position of its council chairman. Many candidates are warming up from different political platforms to fill the position armed with different manifestoes. Out of the candidates for the position of executive chairman of Ngor Okpala local government area stands out the first among equals. He is Sir Donatus Okere, popularly known as Don Chris. He has been endorsed by stakeholders in Ngor Okpala as the most suitable candidate for the chairmanship position.
The Qoheleth met with the information technology entrepreneur who expressed why he is different from others. He stated that he has the genuine intention to take the local government to greater heights.
According to him, his vision is to enthrone a thriving, inclusive, and prosperous government where every indigene will enjoy quality education and healthcare, economic opportunities and empowerment as well as improved infrastructure and social amenities.
He hopes to do this through unlocking the potential of all arable land for employment and wealth creation, enhancing infrastructure development, including accessible road networks connecting all communities and by fostering economic growth through agriculture, human capital development, and entrepreneurship.
Don Chris also promised to create jobs, particularly for women and youths, ensure security and social welfare for all, uphold transparency and accountability in governance while fostering peaceful coexistence amongst citizens.
In his words, “Every community in Ngor Okpala is expected to witness a major revolution in farming which has remained the mainstay of our people. I intend to achieve this by a mix of well-reasoned executive policy actions. These include but not limited to making our roads all season motorable to facilitate the movement of people, goods and services, particularly, farming inputs and outputs. Our farmers deserve motorable roads to move their farm produce to markets in and out of the Local Government.”
Sir Don Chris Okere, a seasoned, visionary, and dedicated leader hail from Umuogii, Okpala Umuekwune autonomous community, Ozuzu Ward 3, in Ngor Okpala Local Government area. According to information from notable citizens of Ngor Okpala, he is a true son of Ngor Okpala, with a deep understanding of the people’s needs. He possesses exceptional leadership skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate people. He is committed to inclusive governance, listening to every voice and perspective.
The Qoheleth also gathered that within his community and Ward, he is well known as a thoroughbred politician and community leader who has contributed immensely and is still contributing his modest efforts to the peace and development of the people. This is why he is said to stand out as the most ideal candidate to take the helm of affairs as Executive Chairman of Ngor Okpala LGA and therefore endorsed.
Don Chris who is contesting on the platform of APC has worked through the ranks to the position he aspires.
According to Richard Chioma, a state APC leader, “Sir Donatus has consistently demonstrated his ability to bring people together, drive innovation, and deliver results. His experience in public service, entrepreneurship, and political leadership has equipped him with the skills and expertise necessary to tackle the challenges facing Ngor Okpala LGA.”
Chioma recalled that in a leadership forum held on July 1,2024, it was resolved that the Chairmanship position to should be zoned to Ozuzu Ward 3 as a way of addressing the lingering exclusion of the people in the distribution of elective positions and appointments since 1999. He emphasized that since the circulation of that resolution, nobody has come out to counteract the submission confirming that the case of total exclusion which was presented is true and unassailable. He therefore called on the leadership of the party to abide by the resolution and endorsement.
Further backing his argument, Chioma stated; “We are all aware that the people of the South East zone have remained consistent in their quest for a Nigerian President of Igbo extraction by asking the five other zones for their understanding to agree to the zoning of the Office of the President to us. This is to mark a definite step in addressing the obvious and lingering marginalization of the zone in the Nigerian Union. In Imo State, our Governor, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma has shown a deep sense of fairness, equity and justice by championing the zoning of the 2027 Imo Governorship position to Owerri zone.
It is, therefore, our well-considered view that there is nothing wrong if our brothers and sisters in the APC Ngor Okpala take similar measure towards zoning the Chairmanship to Ozuzu Ward 3 in the forthcoming LG elections to amend the exclusion.”
As the count down to the APC primaries draw near, he appealed to the party leadership and members in the Ngor Okpala LG to consider and zone the Chairmanship position to Ozuzu Ward 3 and adopt Sir Donatus Okere (Don Chris) as the party’s flag bearer for the September 21, 2024 Imo state LG elections.
In view of this, the Ward has presented to the Party a strong and formidable candidate, with impeccable credentials, for the position of Executive Chairman whose programme of actions is to recreate and build a stronger, more secure and prosperous local government.
