By Tobias Ekirika
The Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum (OSSF) unanimously endorsed the Executive Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Hon. Sir Chief Emeka Orji, "Mayor of Onitsha South," for next two years in office, over what they described as unmeasurable achievements recorded during his first tenure.
The endorsement took place at the Onitsha South Local Government Secretariat during a New Year stakeholders’ opening meeting organized by the Forum.
In a communiqué jointly signed on January 26, 2026, by the Chairman of the Forum, Chief Linus Nkwubuego, Vice Chairman Chief Okwudiri Obinwanne, Secretary Chinedu Ekwealor Esq., and other executives and subgroup stakeholders, the Forum stated that it had carefully reviewed the political situation surrounding the office of the Mayor/Chairman of the Local Government and reached unanimous resolutions.
The communiqué reads *there is no existing zoning arrangement or political formula governing the office of the Mayor/Chairman in Onitsha South LGA. Hon. Chief Emeka Orji emerged as Chairman through merit, popular support, and a transparent electoral process in which aspirants from all parts of the LGA freely participated.
The Forum further revealed that they have critically assessed Chief Orji’s performance, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, urban renewal, environmental sanitation, security, and the recovery of illegally acquired government lands and public spaces.
“In view of these measurable achievements, the Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum hereby expresses its unalloyed support for the continuity of Hon. Emeka Orji’s administration for at least another two years, in the interest of stability, sustained development, and good governance,” the communiqué read."
The Forum also applauded the Executive governor of Anambra state Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo for his numerous development projects in and around Onitsha South LGA and for his consistent support to the local government council.
In their sperate and similar speeches , some members of the Onitsha South Stakeholders Forum, Chief Iyke Evergreen Ezenwa, Chief Anietonwa Ajulufo and Chief Victor Ejiofor Hon. Regina Udeogalanya, and APGA stakeholder, Hon. Tochukwu Valentine Umeobiaeri, who is eyeing for state House of Assembly for Onitsha South come 2027general election, said the Mayor’s performance justified the call for his re-election.
The forum highlighted some of the key achievements of the Mayor which includes , the recovery of government properties at Silas Works and Creek Road one of which now houses a newly built fire service station, restoration of free traffic flow along Niger Street after curbing illegal sand mining, attraction of a general hospital to the LGA, improved security, and enhanced economic activities across the council area.
Stakeholders present at the endorsement included former local government Chairmen, Councillors, party Chairmen, ward Chairmen of APGA, former House of Assembly members, party chieftains, former political appointees, and leaders of the four communities that make up Onitsha South.
Responding, Hon. Emeka Orji expressed gratitude to the Forum, describing the endorsement as a pleasant surprise. He acknowledged the challenges of governance but reaffirmed his commitment to restoring Onitsha South to its former glory.
He recounted some of his achievements so far which includes recovering of government lands valued at over #100b (One Hundred billion naira)in which some parts have been redeployed for community development projects, restoring Electricity in the local government after many years, Instored Solar in the Secretariat. He also revealed plans to intensify urban beautification efforts, including the planting of over 2,000 trees across streets in the LGA within the first quarter of the year.
“His words: I urge the electorate to support and vote for me in the forthcoming local gover