APP OGUTA ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE EBIRIM PAYS TRIBUTE TO LATE BISHOP NWAEZE, SUPPORTS OBUDI-AGWA SECURITY INITIATIVES
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Onuchie Moses
OBUDI-AGWA, Oguta LGA, Imo State, Nigeria — The Action Peoples Party (APP) candidate for the 2027 Oguta State Constituency election, Apostle David Lemchi Ebirim, has paid tribute to the late Bishop (Dr.) Gideon Uchechukwu Nwaeze, former Apex Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oguta, describing him as a respected religious leader and community builder.
Ebirim, who joined political leaders, traditional rulers, business associates, clerics, community leaders and family members at Nwaeze's burial on Friday, October 9, 2026, also supported security development in Obudi-Agwa with cash.
The burial attracted prominent personalities, including HRM Eze Dr. Cletus Ikechukwu Ilromuanya, CON, the Obi of Obinugwu, Orlu Ancient Kingdom, who is the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Elders and Co-Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council; HRH Eze Cajetan Franklin Okafor, Otachirioha II of Ossemoto, Chairman of the Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers; HRH Eze Albanus Ozuruogha, PhD, Ugochinyere of Uwaorie Autonomous Community, Secretary Oguta Council of Traditional Rulers; and Eze H. C. Azubuike, Ohanyere I of Ubah, Agwa Autonomous Community, and the Head of Agwa Traditional Rulers.
Others included Eze Blaise Ubah, KSJI, Oluoha II of Mgbala Agwa Autonomous Community; Rt. Hon. Nana Opia, former member of the House of Representatives for Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency; Hon. Engr. Eugene Okechukwu Dibiagwu, serving member representing Ohaji-Egbema/Oguta/Oru-West Federal Constituency; Hon. Kyrian Uchegbu, PhD, NDDC Commissioner; Hon. Prince Henry Okafor, Commissioner for Niger Delta Affairs and Surveillance; and Hon. Chief Victor Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Commissioner for Lands, Survey, Housing and Urban Planning.
Ebirim, accompanied by his team, participated in the burial activities from the reception of the deceased's remains at Uzii Square by the Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom to the funeral service at Central School Field, Obudi, Oguta LGA.
Speaking with journalists after the burial, Ebirim described Nwaeze's death as a significant loss to the community, recalling his contributions to religious service, political leadership, peace and development.
He said Nwaeze represented the values of unity, wisdom, political maturity and community pride, adding that his leadership and experience had influenced many people across Agwa, Oguta, Imo State and beyond.
According to Ebirim, the late bishop's life exemplified the commitment to faith, public service and community development for which Agwa people were known.
He noted that Nwaeze's service through the Church of Christ, Nigeria, where he was ordained a bishop, had earned him recognition beyond his immediate community.
In a related development, Ebirim participated in the Obudi-Agwa General Assembly, convened by community leaders under the leadership of Prince Malachy Chibueze Asor, Regent of the Obudi-Agwa Ancient Kingdom on Saturday 10, October 2026, at Central School Hall.
Other prominent participants included Hon. M. O. Nlemedim, former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Imo State; Mr. Benson Akunya, Esq., former pioneer President-General of Agwa Central Union (ACU); Hon. Angel Hilary Eberendu, former Chairman of Oguta LGA; Chief Sylvester Chukwuemeka Nlemedim, KSJI, former Director of Protocol, Imo State Government; Hon. Casmir Ohamara, Commissioner of ISOPADEC; Mr. Joseph Elumezie, Esq., former President-General of Obudi; and Hon. Christian Okoro Ogbonna, immediate past Councillor for Obudi/Aro Ward.
Addressing the assembly, Ebirim reaffirmed his commitment to community security, identifying it as a central component of his campaign agenda under the slogan, "A Secured Oguta."
He commended the community's leaders for their efforts to promote consensus, peace and development, expressing his readiness to support initiatives aimed at improving security in Obudi-Agwa and Oguta at large.
Ebirim described the General Assembly as an important platform for community members to assess their challenges, review their progress and plan for the future.
He subsequently announced a cashe donation in support of the community's security initiatives, reaffirming his commitment to peace, unity and development.
His participation in the burial and the General Assembly brought together his expressions of condolence and support for community security, as he continues to position himself ahead of the 2027 Oguta State Constituency election.
