20th March, 2022
By Christian Ogbonna
Ebonyi youths have urged Dr Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, President of Ebele and AnyiChuks Foundation, to declare interest to run for the office of the governor of the state in 2023.
The youths under the aegis of Nigeria Youth Organisation (NYO) made the call at a solidarity visit to Odii’s home town in Isu, Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Sunday.
Odii, popularly known as “Anyichuks” is a businessman and a co-founder of his aforementioned foundation, which is a Non-Governmental Organisation.
Members of the group were with placards with different inscriptions such as Anyichuks, the youths of Ebonyi need you, the time is now to run for the governorship position.
Other inscriptions included Anyichuks for governor 2023, Ebonyi will be safe in your hands, Anyichuks is the man that loves the youths.
Mr Kelechi Igwe, Chairman of the NYO, Ebonyi chapter, described Anyichuks as a “man of his people.
He said the call became necessary not only for the youth but for the entire people of Ebonyi.
“The youth of Ebonyi is appealing to you to harken to the voice of Ebonyi people and declare your intentions.
“There is no doubt that we need someone who has what it takes to govern. You are the man of our hearts.
“We have found that you are a “competent, experienced, fair, youth-friendly and open-minded leader and compassionate.
“We do not need a soothsayer to tell us that Anyichuks is the beacon of hope for Ebonyi’s future,” he explained.
Another member of the group, Mr Henry Ngonu, State’s Vice Chairman of NYO, urged Ebonyi people to rally around Anyichuks, saying that the 2023 elections should not be left in the hands of those who do not wish the people well.
“In this 2023 election, we need a person, who is strong physically, intellectually and that is Anyichuks,” he stated.
In his response, Odii thanked the youths for finding him worthy to run for the governorship position in Ebonyi.
“I thank you for the request but I will first urge you to remain law-abiding, avoid social vices as you all know that I am a man of peace and an ambassador of peace.
“The only thing that will make your request answered is when you peacefully conduct yourself,” he said.
Odii urge the youth to go back and promised to invite them after consultation with stakeholders and leaders of Ebonyi.
“I will consult with leaders of the state, market women, other groups and at the appropriate time, I will be able to tell you my stand either to contest or not,” he said.
NAN