A veteran journalist and former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Benjamin Nworie, has formally declared his intention to contest for the chairmanship position of Ishielu Local Government Area in the forthcoming council elections.
Nworie, who is also a newspaper publisher and former member of the board of Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), said his decision was driven by what he described as the “long-standing marginalisation” of the old Ezzagu zone, which he claimed had been denied the chairmanship seat for over two decades.
“With the release of timetable for the local government elections by the Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC), I have started consultations to contest for the chairmanship of Ishielu. For over 20 years, the people of old Ezzagu zone have not occupied the position, and in the spirit of equity, justice, and fairness, it is time our zone is considered,” Nworie stated.
He maintained that his background as a media practitioner with years of experience equips him with the competence to deliver purposeful leadership to Ishielu, while also promising to domesticate the good governance agenda of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru at the grassroots.
“Most importantly, Ezzagu zone is in dire need of government presence to address infrastructural deficits. Apart from the Ezillo–Ezzagu road project awarded by our governor, there is virtually no road access to most Ezzagu communities,” he lamented.
The journalist-turned-politician applauded the All Progressives Congress (APC), his party, for what he described as its “deep-rooted internal democracy and free participation,” urging stakeholders and residents of Ishielu to rally behind his ambition.
“I appeal to stakeholders and the people of Ishielu to support me, so together we can bring fairness and development to our council area,” he added.
