HON JAMES UBA IS OUR FRIEND, HE HAS ALWAYS REMEMBERED US IRRESPECTIVE OF OUR ZONES, JONAPWD IMO STATE CHAPTER ENDORSES HIM FOR THE OKIGWE NORTH FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY SEAT
-APPEAL TO OKIGWE NORTH LEADERS TO RESPECT ZONING
-ISSN:2354-4481
By Charles Chigozie Nnorom
The Imo State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has declared its support for the aspiration of Hon. James Uba Esile to represent Okigwe North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, describing him as a compassionate and people-oriented leader who has consistently identified with the less privileged across the state.
The endorsement was made during a meeting between the leadership of the association and Hon. James Uba Esile, where members of the group commended his accessibility, humanitarian disposition, and inclusive approach to leadership, particularly towards persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in society.
Speaking during the gathering, leaders of JONAPWD noted that Hon. James Uba Esile, who currently represents Onuimo State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, has continued to distinguish himself through consistent outreach programmes, youth empowerment initiatives, and interventions aimed at improving the welfare of ordinary people.
The association described him as a dependable friend of the physically challenged and economically disadvantaged, stressing that he has maintained close relationships with people across different communities and social backgrounds without discrimination based on status, political affiliation, or geographical zone.
According to the group, Hon. James Uba Esile’s developmental efforts and humanitarian engagements within and outside Onuimo Local Government Area have positively impacted many families and young people, earning him growing admiration among grassroots organisations and community stakeholders across Imo State.
JONAPWD further stated that his leadership style reflects empathy, accessibility, and genuine concern for the welfare of persons living with disabilities, adding that his willingness to listen to their concerns and support inclusive participation in governance has strengthened their confidence in his leadership capacity.
The association expressed optimism that his emergence as the representative of Okigwe North Federal Constituency would promote inclusive representation, equitable development, and people-centred leadership in the constituency.
The group also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders within Okigwe North Federal Constituency to respect the existing zoning arrangement among the constituent local government areas by allowing Onuimo Local Government Area to produce the next representative for the federal constituency in the interest of fairness, equity, and political balance.
According to the association, the agitation for power rotation to Onuimo reflects a long-standing political understanding within the constituency and should be respected to sustain unity and stability within the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strong show of solidarity, the leadership of JONAPWD assured Hon. James Uba Esile of its continued support and commitment to mobilising support for his aspiration across the state, maintaining that his relationship with vulnerable groups and grassroots communities has earned him widespread goodwill and acceptance.
Leaders present at the meeting included Barr. Chidubem Uzodimma Ekwelem, JONAPWD President and Imo State Chairman; Orisaeke Ikenna, Orlu Zonal Leader; Ories Vera, JONAPWD Women Leader, Imo State Chapter; and Vivian of the JONAPWD Media Directorate.
The meeting was described by participants as a productive engagement centred on inclusivity, mutual respect, and the promotion of leadership that prioritises the welfare of all segments of society.