HON. GILBERT CHIEDOZIE NWOSU SPEAKS AT LATE ETHELBERT NNANNA’S VALEDICTORY SESSION, CALLS FOR AN END TO BITTER POLITICS
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Grace Chidimma Ibe
Owerri, Imo State — September 23, 2026: The Imo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, held a valedictory session in honour of late Hon. Chief Sir Ethelbert Nnanna Nze, popularly known as “Watch Out,” a former member of the House who represented Oguta State Constituency from 2003 to 2007.
The sitting was attended by the incumbent member representing Oguta State Constituency, Hon. Engr. Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu, who paid tribute to the deceased and reflected on his relationship with the late former lawmaker and his contributions to Oguta and Imo State.
Speaking with journalists after the session, Nwosu described Nnanna as one of the politicians and leaders in Oguta Local Government Area whom he held in high esteem.
Nwosu recalled the support he received from the late politician when he first contested for the State House of Assembly seat in 2019, despite losing the election.
He also recalled that during the 2023 election, Nnanna stood by him and offered advice that, according to him, has continued to guide him as a politician and leader.
The lawmaker described the late Nnanna as a straightforward and courageous politician whose word was his bond, adding that he remained committed to people he supported.
Nwosu said the late politician was a fighter and leader who loved his people and, while alive, did his best within his capacity to protect their interests.
Speaking after the valedictory session, Nwosu said:
“Okay. Well, like you all know, my name is Hon. Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu and I am representing the good people of Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State Assembly. We just finished the valedictory session of Hon. Chief Sir. Ethelbert Nnanna Nze (AKA) Watch Out.”
He added:
“And like I said earlier during the session, I find it difficult to come to terms that Hon. Watch Out is no more. He was actually a good man and was good to me as a politician. I worked with him closely in the last two elections that I had and he was one of strongest supporter who believed in me, a leader and another statesman in Oguta State Constituency.”
“He has lived a good life, left good legacies for the family. So I want to encourage those who are around him, those who love him, to maintain his legacy of straightforwardness,” he said.
Nwosu also appealed to political stakeholders in Oguta to avoid bitterness and embrace unity, stressing that political differences should not destroy the bonds among the people.
“Oguta is a pleasant place and had produced quality leaders. I want to appeal to every stakeholders of the constituency to eschew the politics of bitterness and embrace peace.
“Politics globally is defined by interest, and I have always maintained that this interest should not take away our brotherhood as one united Oguta.
“Politics should not be played with bitterness. Politics is a game, a game of interest. Yes, we all understand. But we should not leave what is right and do what is wrong. Honorable Watch Out told me some pertinent things and they've actually guided me in this profession called politics.
“And I want those who have come in contact with him to follow suit and learn from the legacies of Watch out.
“We shouldn't play politics of bitterness. We should play politics of brotherliness and tell ourselves the truth at all times. No matter our political leanings, core interest should be to attract development for the good people of Oguta, develop and build a better Oguta for all,” he concluded.
Nwosu is the serving member representing Oguta State Constituency in the 10th Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He contested the Oguta State Constituency seat in 2019 but lost to Hon. Frank Ugboma, Esq., of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was subsequently appointed as a Commissioner of the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC).
In 2023, Nwosu returned to the ballot and won the Oguta State Constituency election. He is seeking re-election for another four-year term.
Nwosu, who serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Economy, hails from Oru Ward, specifically Orsu Obodo, in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
