From Felix Ikem, Nsukka
Former Enugu North Senator Chukwuka Utazi believes the South East region has no future in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He urges Governors Peter Mbah (Enugu), Alex Otti (Abia), and Charles Soludo (Anambra) to follow former Governor David Umahi (Ebonyi) and join the All Progressive Congress (APC) to align with the federal government for the region’s economic growth.
Utazi made this statement during a family thanksgiving service at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Ogba Mkpologwu, Uzo-Uwani LGA, Enugu State. He emphasized the need for the South East to join the ruling party for economic development, citing the lack of progress under PDP.
“I played national politics for 8 years, mixed up with people from the other regions of the country, I can tell you that the South East region needs to join the party at the centre for the economic development of the area,” Utazi stated.
He urged the three governors to follow the examples of Umahi and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma to attract more federal government projects to the region.
“We can’t continue to play exclusive and opposition politics which has never led us anywhere,” Utazi said. “It is better to be a servant in heaven than to be a king in hell.”
Utazi also criticized the proliferation of political parties in the South East, arguing that it hinders regional growth and alignment with national politics.
“All these political parties have no ideology, it is just a platform for politicians to win elections and achieve their interest at the expense of regional interest,” he said.
The former senator believes that joining the APC will provide the South East with a better opportunity to benefit from national resources.
“The Igbos have been supporting and voting for PDP, to no avail, just in the last general election our people voted for Labour to no avail, so, it is time to port for APC to stand a good opportunity in the sharing of the national cake,” Utazi said.
The family thanksgiving service was held to thank God for guiding and protecting Utazi during his eight years in the Senate. He described himself as a “miracle child” who has always been blessed by God’s mercy.
“After a successful 8 years serving in the 8th and 9th Senate representing the good people of Enugu North Senatorial District, I and my family decided to come and say thank you to God who made it possible for me to be in the Senate,” Utazi said.
He attributed his political success to God’s grace and his good relationships with people from all walks of life.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Camillus Ugwuibe commended Utazi for his service and for returning to God to express gratitude.
“What you did today is spectacular, it is very rare to see elected leaders after serving their tenure come back to God to say thank you,” Ugwuibe said.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included Senator Okey Ezea, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Chief Uche Nnaji, Enugu State APC Chairman Chief Ugo Agallah, and Labour Party Governorship candidate Chief Chijioke Edeoga.
Utazi recently decamped from PDP to APC.