ASIMPIN ENDORSES SONNIEL ONOCHIE FOR VICE CHAIRMAN, ANLCA, TINCAN CHAPTER
*** Anoints Nwegbe Frank Paul for Secretary
By Mcanthony Onuoha
It was a mega solidarity rally and moment of Royal blessings as prominent Igbo Maritime Practitioners came together to openly endorse Chief Sonniel Ebonyem Onochie, as their choice for Vice Chairmanship position for Tincan Chapter .
Chief Sonniel Onochie and Frank Paul Nwegbe at the event, received Royal blessings from the President General of Association of Igbo Maritime Practitioners in Nigeria -ASIMPIN, His Royal Majesty, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe, KSM, JP, and a collective endorsement of members of the largest and foremost Igbo Maritime umbrella.
The mega endorsement rally, was graced by the Vice President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Mr. Ojo Peters Akintoye, Former Vice President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents- ANLCA, Dr. Collins Kayode Farinto, and Chieftain of ANLCA, Chief Eniola Igbariola, among others.
Also at the event was Former President of NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Eugene Nweke, Comrade Bennett Uche Ndee, Sir Rowland Opara, Chief Joe Ibe, Chairman of ASIMPIN, Apapa Chapter, Chief Tony Onuora, his Tincan Chapter counterpart, Mazi Isaac Ndukwe (Okwadike), Chief Pius Ujubuoñu, Elder Chukwudi Ike, Chief Chukwunonso Chukwudinma(Ebube-Igbo), Dr. Obicee Okonkwo, ANLCA KLT Chairmanship Aspirant, Hon. Chibuzo Valentine Ogamba, Mr. Chijioke Nkwazema, Dr. Arthur Igwilo, Prince Okey Egbuchulam among others.
At the mega rally, His Royal Majesty, Eze Amb. Damian Emeka Obianigwe, KSM, JP., rallied support for the candidacies of Chief Sonniel Onochie and Nwegbe FrankPaul. The Royal Father unequivocally stated that politics was a game of choice and interest, that ASIMPIN as the apex Igbo Maritime umbrella, has made its choice. He warned members who are bent on working against ASIMPIN, saying that going against popular interests and decisions has attendant consequences.
Speaking, the Former National President of NAGAFF, Chief Dr. Eugene Nweke, stated that gone are the days when people of authority move from one office to the other to assert their authority or to make themselves known. He said that the present era has gone beyond that, as leaders need to delegate authority and utilize the power conferred on them positively to achieve significant results. He cautioned the incoming administration against acting beggarly while discharging their duties. He appealed to leaders to be proactive and always prioritize the welfare of those that gave them the mandate.
Apart from the President General’s endorsement and Royal blessings, he made one million Naira cash donation to Prince Wale Cole/ Chief Sonniel Onochie campaign team.
In his reaction, the Vice President of Oodua Maritime Forum, Mr. Ojo Peters Akintoye, said he purposely graced the event to be reassured that Ndi Igbo are in full support of Sonniel Onochie’s candidacy, disclosing that he was at crossroads before attending the event, and that his doubt was informed by the visit of some ASIMPIN members who visited Oodua Maritime Forum to present another Vice Chairmanship Aspirant as the rightful choice of Ndi Igbo. He said that what he saw at Onochie’s mega rally made him heave a sigh of relief, saying that he was overwhelmed by the level of solidarity ASIMPIN showed to the candidacies of Sonniel Onochie and Nwegbe FrankPaul .
Mr. Ojo Peters Akintoye described Sonniel Onochie as a dogged fighter and core unionist who has paid his dues in the industry. On Nwegbe FrankPaul, Ojo described him as a young man who is very passionate about excellence. In his words, ” l have known FrankPaul for some years now, and l can proudly say that he is very passionate about excellence. The young man possesses good leadership qualities that are not hidden. When he came to let me know his intention of contesting for a lesser office, l advised him to go for the post of Secretary. And l am confident that he will deliver beyond expectations if given the opportunity.
Those present at the event were entertained by Ogene musical group as assorted drinks were made available . The event ended on a very peaceful note.
