.Praises God, Uzodimma , Obowo people
.Sets for Thanksgiving June 27th

Former Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly and three-term member representing Obowo State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Barr. Kennedy Chidozie Ibeh, has announced Saturday, 27th June 2027 as the date for a special Thanksgiving and Appreciation Service.
Ibeh disclosed this in a release he issued weekend and availed Daily Nigerian Horn.

According to the release,the event will serve three purposes:

  1. To thank God Almighty for the grace to serve the people of Obowo LGA for an unprecedented three terms in the Imo State House of Assembly.
  2. To appreciate His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, for the rare privilege of his emergence as Speaker of the 9th Assembly under his administration.
  3. To thank his supporters, voters, and leaders of Obowo LGA for their consistent love and trust over the years.

2027 ELECTION: IBEH BOWS OUT OF HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY RACE

In the same breath, Rt. Hon. Ibeh has formally declared that he will not contest any elective position into the Imo State House of Assembly in 2027.

His words: “This decision is borne out of my commitment to justice, fairness, and the need to be bridled and reasonable in expressing ambition. I am done with the House of Assembly. I am due for an upgrade.”

ON FEDERAL HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEAT

Addressing speculations, Ibeh clarified why he will also not seek the Ehime Mbano/IhitteUboma/Obowo Federal Constituency seat:

“It would be both unfair and unjust for me, from Obowo LGA, to aspire to take the Federal House seat again. That would mean Obowo holding the seat for a 4th consecutive term — 16 unbroken years — while our brother LGAs of Ehime Mbano and IhitteUboma feel marginalized. My decision to be this reasonable is personal and does not bind any other Obowo son or daughter. Power is taken, not given. I am accountable for my own decision.”

WHY THE EARLY NOTICE

On why he is announcing the Thanksgiving event almost two years ahead, Ibeh explained:

  1. To free up the Obowo political space: “Speculation that I may seek a 4th term is slowing down political activities in Obowo. This notice makes my position definite.”
  2. To open himself to consultation: “I am expressing my willingness and readiness to deploy my political experience for the development and victory of our great party, the APC.”
  3. To respect allies’ schedules: “This is political season. Associates are jostling with crowded schedules. An early invitation helps them plan.”
  4. Personal milestone: “I will turn 50 on 25th June. The Saturday, 27th June event lets me thank God for the 5th decade and appreciate all human vessels God used to bless my journey.”

A POLITICAL JOURNEY OF GRACE

Recounting his journey, Ibeh noted:
Appointed Supervisor for Agriculture in Obowo LGA in 2008 → Elected Councillor, Okenanlogho Ward and Leader of Council in 2010 → Political Image Maker to Hon. Chike Okafor as Finance Commissioner in 2011 → Appointed Special Assistant on Labour Matters in 2013 → Elected to Imo State House of Assembly in 2015 → Re-elected in 2019 → Broke the jinx with a 3rd term return in 2023 → Emerged Speaker in 2021.

“Becoming Speaker remains a huge record I thank God and Governor Uzodimma for,” he said.

LOYALTY TO APC

Ibeh wished all aspirants well, especially those of the APC:
“I may be your friend, but my training is that anti-party is an act of hypocrisy and sacrilege that sticks forever on the garment of any politician who practices it. APC all the way!”

He concluded: “May God bless Imo State and bless my dear LGA, Obowo, and her sons and daughters.”