A seasoned entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader from Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi, Justus Okorie, has declared his intention to contest for the Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo (Ohanivo) Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Okorie, who holds the traditional title of Ikemba Ishiagu, made his intention known during a media briefing in Abakaliki on Saturday, shortly after obtaining his expression of interest and nomination forms at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja.

The Abuja-based businessman pledged to provide effective and people-oriented representation if elected, stressing that his aspiration was driven by a desire to deliver responsive leadership and sustainable development to the people of the constituency.

According to him, his mission is to ensure that the dividends of democracy are felt by ordinary people through effective lawmaking, empowerment programmes, infrastructural development, and improved welfare for youths, women, and vulnerable groups across Ohaozara, Onicha, and Ivo local government areas.

“As someone who has spent years serving humanity through business, philanthropy, and community development, I understand the challenges facing our people.

“My aspiration is anchored on service, inclusiveness and the determination to improve the living conditions of our constituents,” he said.

Okorie noted that the federal constituency was richly endowed with human and natural resources but required purposeful leadership to unlock its full potential.

He further stated that, if elected, he would prioritise policies and programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving access to education, healthcare, and rural infrastructure.

The aspirant stressed that political representation should go beyond occupying public office, insisting that elected officials must remain accessible and accountable to the people.

Okorie also used the occasion to commend the leadership qualities of Peter Obi, a frontline contender for the NDC presidential ticket, describing him as a visionary leader with the competence and integrity needed to reposition Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians across political, religious, and ethnic divides to unite in support of Obi’s presidential ambition to rescue the country from its socio-economic and political challenges.

“Nigeria is at a critical point where citizens must place national interest above sectional considerations and support credible leaders capable of restoring hope, strengthening institutions and rebuilding public trust in governance,” he stated.

According to him, the country’s growing insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship, and governance challenges require bold and sincere leadership committed to transparency, accountability, and national development.

Political observers believe Okorie’s entrance into the race may reshape the contest for the Ohanivo Federal Constituency seat, considering his grassroots appeal, philanthropic record, and longstanding relationship with communities across the constituency.

Supporters and stakeholders who accompanied him to obtain the nomination forms described him as a bridge-builder and compassionate leader with the capacity to attract meaningful development to the area.

If he secures the party’s ticket, Okorie is expected to face the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Nkemkama Kama of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the general election.

Born on March 31, 1974, Okorie is a Microsoft Certified Professional and a graduate of Physics (Electronics option) from the University of Port Harcourt. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Abuja, alongside several postgraduate qualifications from local and foreign institutions, including Harvard University.

(Nigerian Tribune)