Abia: Bende leaders unite behind Chima Anyaso for Reps race

By Steve Oko

Leaders across political, governmental and community structures in Bende Federal Constituency have thrown their weight behind Dr Chima Anyaso’s bid for the House of Representatives, urging him to join the race ahead of the next general elections.

At a packed stakeholders’ meeting in Igbere, representatives from all 13 wards declared confidence in Anyaso’s leadership, citing his track record and grassroots appeal as key factors behind the growing momentum.

Anyaso, the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year (Real Estate Icon), is set to contest on the platform of the Labour Party, where he is widely seen as the frontrunner.

Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze, who formally presented the aspirant, said the call for Anyaso to run reflects a collective desire for credible and effective representation.

Stakeholders from both the Ikwuisii and Umunna blocs echoed the endorsement, describing Anyaso as a dependable and capable candidate, while pledging full mobilisation across the constituency.

Adding political weight to the gathering, Bende North lawmaker, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, sought support for his re-election and backed Anyaso’s ambition.

Governor Alex Otti’s Political Adviser, Hon. Iheanacho Obioma, stressed unity as key to sustaining development.

Responding, Anyaso thanked the leaders for the endorsement, highlighting equity and zoning as central to his ambition.

Insisting that it is the turn of the Umunna bloc to produce the next federal lawmaker, the business icon said his ambition was driven by passion to affect lives.

He pledged purposeful representation, assuring constituents he would justify their confidence if elected.

Some of the stakeholders at the event were Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche; the Federal Commissioner representing Abia State at the Federal Character Commission, High Chief Victor Ikeji; and the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Governor, Barr. Chijioke Nwankwo.

Others were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma; the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Deacon Bassey Uwabunkonye, former Mayor, Ohafia LGA, Chief David Onuoha Ogba; Dr Mrs Chinyere Thomas, Emeka Kalu, Ezinne Onyeabor, Pascal Kalu, among others.