By Uzo Ugwunze
A Group under the auspices of Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum (OSSF) has endorsed the Executive Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area (OSLGA), Hon Emeka Orji for a second term in office saying that his achievements within the last two years remain unprecedented compared to his predecessors.
The endorsement was made at the hall of the Onitsha South LGA Secretariat during a get together organized by the Forum to kick start the year.
According to a communique jointly signed by the OSSF Chairman, Chief Linus Nkwubuego, Vice Chairman, Chief Okwudiri Obinwanne, Secretary, Chinedu Ekwealor Esq. and other executives cum subgroup stakeholders on January 26, 2026 at the LG Secretariat, we, the members of the Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum(OSSF), having carefully reviewed the prevailing political situation concerning the office of the Mayor/Chairman of OSLGA and other related matters, hereby resolve as follows:
“That there exists no agreed zoning arrangements or political formular governing the office of the Mayor/Chairman within OSLGA.
“That the incumbent Mayor duly won his last party primary and general elections on the basis of merit and popular support, and not on the basis of zoning. Aspirants from all parts of OSLGA freely participated and contested the elections alongside him under fair and open conditions.
“That the Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum has critically reviewed the performance of the current Mayor, Hon. Sir Emeka Orji over the past few years, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, urban regeneration and renewal, environmental sanitation, security enhancement and the recovery of stolen public lands and spaces.
“In view of these measurable achievements, we hereby affirm our unalloyed support for the continuity of his administration for at least the next two years, in the interest of stability, sustained development and good governance.
“That we express our profound appreciation to our visionary Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR for the numerous laudable projects in and around OSLGA, as well as for his consistent support and assistance to the LG Council. We acknowledge his commitment to grassroots development and urge continued collaboration for the benefit of our people,” it reads.
In their separate speeches, Leader of the OSLGA Congress of Councillors, Hon Regina Udeogalanya, All Progressive Grand Alliance APGA Stakeholder, Hon Tochukwu Valentine Umeobiaeri said that the incumbent Mayor has done well and needed to continue for another two years at the expiration of his present tenure.
“Some of the stakeholders which endorsed Emeka Orji include, former LG Chairman, Councillors, party Chairmen, Ward Chairmen of APGA ,former House of Assembly members, APGA Chieftains, former political appointees, Leaders of the four communities that make up Onitsha South
“Recovery of Government property like at Silas works, creek road. One of these properties is where the fire stations was built recently. This will take care of any fire mishap. Niger Street used to be impassable because of the presence sand miners but he was able to checkmate their activities at the bank of the river, today, there is free flow of traffic at that Niger street. Also, a general hospital was attracted by him to Onitsha South. There is peace and a kind of economic boost in this LGA since Emeka Orji took over leadership.
“We urge the APGA faithfuls and other members of the electorate to support Hon Emeka Orji and ensure he returns for a second term in the office to continue his good works,” they said.
Responding to the Endorsement, Hon Emeka Orji who said that he was surprised about the visit of the Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum led by Chief Linus Nkwubuego said that although holding the office of OSLGA Mayor was not an easy task thanked the stakeholders for their support.
“For the fact that the stakeholders have spoken that they will support me to come back for a second term in office, I accept it.
“I grew up in Onitsha South and knew how the system worked but when I traveled to London and came back, I discovered that the system has been messed up. All the government property, open spaces and gardens were gone.
“I contested for this office of the Executive Chairman in 2014 with Iruka Bread, Emeka Asoanya, Enenia Modebe, Late Patrick Ezenduka because I wanted to use my strength to regain most of the Government property and reshape Onitsha South back to its glory.
” Few years in office I tried much. I have regained Lands worth over 100 billion naira for Anambra State Government. Most of the recoverd land were used for community development.
“I intend to do more. We the Mayors traveled to Kigali, Ruwanda and came back with ideas which some of us intend to implement.
“Onitsha South more especially Fegge is well planned. In the first quarter of this year I will be investing much in beautification. I will plant nothing lesser than 2000 trees in all the streets of OSLGA.
“Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum saw what I did in my first tenure and decided to support me. I built Fire service station in one of the recoverd lands stolen by Land Grabbers. Last Saturday NEPA/EEDC was switched on here in the Onitsha South Secretariat for the first time in more than 24 years, these are just a little of my achievement.
“I expect the electorate to vote, vote vote for Emeka Orji in the coming LG polls so that I can continue the good works,” said Orji.
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