By Okechukwu Onuegbu
The peaceful Nimo community in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State recently presented two excellence service awards to the immediate past Majority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr Sir Pete Ibida.
Ibida, who represented Njikoka 2 in the State Assembly from 2015 to 2019, was the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) house of Representatives candidate for Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha federal Constituency in 2023 general elections, but lost out to his brother and Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Hon. George Ibezimako Ozodinobi.
Aside been a Majority Leader, Ibida had also served as Chiarman, House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, and Chief Whip before bowing out voluntarily for more political, leadership and business engagements.
The event tagged "Grand Reception Of Our Illustrious Son/Epitome Of Political Excellence" was jointly organized by all the existing political parties in Nimo community called Nimo All Political Forum (NAPF) and was attended by adults, children, youth, women and men, and stakeholders in the community, including the LG Transition committee chairman of Njikoka, community leaders, including the ranking members and leadership of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressive Party (YPP), Labour Party (LP) and All Progressive Congress (APC).
Speaking at the ceremony, the Traditional Ruler of Nimo, Igwe Maxi Ike-Oliobi hailed Ibida over he described as a good representation at House of Assembly for two tenures.
According to Ike-Oliobi, the community was happier that the immediate past Majority leader also refused to go to House of Representatives election petition tribunal against his brother who was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thereby proving again that he had sound character and love for peace
Also speaking, the President General, Nimo Town Development Union, Mr Ikenna Okafor, thanked Ibida for attracting many developmental projects to the community, including assisting over thirty of their sons and daughters to secure political appointment, aside other employment opportunities.
Okafor described him as outspoken, vibrant and resourceful, noting that Nimo community would keep supporting him to politically and otherwise, so that he would attain more heights and uplift Nimo, Njikoka and Anambra State generally.
The stakeholders said the former lawmaker's achievements within eight years in the State legislative chamber were unmatchable and glaring for all to behold.
The achievements are sponsorship of people oriented bills and motions, physical projects, human development cum empowerment, attraction of roads construction, medical interventions, numerous students scholarships and others across the three communities that made up the constituency. Others are attraction of 4 roads constructions in Umuowelle, building of markets, pavilions, lock-up shops, Medical Health Center, borehole water with overhead reservoir tanks across ten electoral wards in Njikoka 2, 30 Government's appointments, schools renovations, grants provision and scholarships, etc.
The TC Chairman of Njikoka LGA, while presenting the awards to Ibida, on behalf of Nimo people, extolled his giant strides, adding that he was a man who is tall and wise enough to get for you whatever that is due for you.
In appreciation, the former Majority Leader, Hon. Pete Ibida, thanked the entire Njikoka 2 constituency for offering him an opportunity to represent them for two terms, as well as tendered apologies to those who might have felt offended in the course of his elections, representation, legislative activities or otherwise, as he had equally forgiven all.
Ibida also noted that why he refused to institute legal action against the eventual winner of the House of Representatives poll was not because he did not see what to say or submit as evidence but he wants the sleeping dog to lie as advocate of peace.
"I am not trying to say those who went to court are sinners. No! I am an ambassador of peace, and I want peace to reign. Don't pity me. I am good. I have no problem. I have moved on for greater opportunities. I will never stop maintaining good working relationship with Mr governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, our party, APGA, and entire Anambra people," he added.