Mr Henry Awele Udeh is one of the promising Councillorship candidates in the upcoming election in Aniocha South LGA of Delta. Udeh popularly known as Hadji is a computer science graduate from Delta state polytechnic, Ogwashi Uku. Before he ventured into politics, the politician has been involved in series of community development initiatives, an effort that fetched him Ubulu Ezemu prestigeous award as “Ubulu Uku Ambassador of The Year 2023”. In this interview with ANTHONY AWUNOR, the Isho born youth leader speaks on his political ambition, plans and grassroot politics in Delta State. 

Which position are you aspiring for and under which political party?

I am vying for councillorship position under labour party in ward 4B, Aniocha South LGA of Delta State.

What motivated you to take a shot at this position?

What motivated me is that I looked at the whole situation in a way. I understand that Council is a place the representative must be close to people. There are lots of things going on that needs to be addressed. To address such issues the people need someone who is trustworthy. I see myself as one who perfectly fits into such personality. That is why I offered myself for the councillorship position. 

Which leadership experience have you had in the past that you think positions you for the post of Councillor in your ward?

Background is very necessary and I have it. In ward 4 which is Isho, it is no longer a secret that I have been solidly on ground with my people. I have been participating in all the activities including all youth engagements. I have also helped in many ways to bring development to the people. I am part of the people helping to assist the only primary school in the area. For example, I have assisted in paying the teachers and also in providing support in terms of PTA levies for the students. In terms of ensuring the environment where they study, I have also taken it upon myself to ensure their school premises are cleared and kept in tidy situation. I have been involved in community development initiatives such as filling the Isho road potholes and other rehabilitations needed to keep the roads in good condition.

There are many other politicians coming out as well. What sets you apart from others. Or to put it the other way round, what makes your candidacy unique? 

What makes me different from other aspirants is that I am very close to the people. I know it’s politics and those you feel are by your side can disappoint but I believe that I have made positive impacts on the people. That will obviously give me an edge over others.

I know you have many agenda. Which, problem area particularly, do you have in your mind, that you will immediately solve for your ward when you win?

I have a lot in mind to address. For example, we have pipe born water in Isho which was provided by one of our illustrious daughters, Dr Mrs Doris Ochei. Since she made the provision, it hasn’t been serving the people adequately because of poor maintenance. It is a major challenge to Isho people which I have to tackle first. I also feel that I should be able to intervene and ensure that my people get water from the facility 24 hours a day. This is can be done through regular maintenance and provision of required materials to keep it running. Another thing is the issue of Townhall. Isho community is one that needs a Townhall where they can always meet to discuss matters affecting the community. Another one is the primary school. They need teachers, study materials and other needs. If I am given the opportunity, I will improve on the assistance that I have been giving to them. If I can be doing it before now, how much more, when I am there as a Councillor, I will surely do more.

You are young and some people would argue that old breed politicians are better for such positions. What is your view on such assumptions? 

Physically, I look young but I am over 30 years. A graduate and a family man. With that I cannot be seen as too young. Yes am a young man but I feel it is the time for the youths to take over. It is not a challenge at all. 

Councillors are expected to be homegrown. Do you have such local background? 

I have such background and I am very close to the people. I have been very active in youth engagements and my people know that. 

The perceptions in most quarters is that PDP is dominant PDP in Delta State. What is your reaction on that? 

I boldly decide to come out from labour party despite the fact that people feels PDP is dominant in Delta State. I don’t disagree with them but I believe a day will come to change the narratives. I have come to make history. Also that mantra that “na write dem dey write am” is merely used to discourage aspirants. If it’s really so, why are they doing politics or campaign. Why do we have INEC and why are they having e ok elections, begging people. Why are they consulting people on the election. Why are those on seat very much afraid. I don’t believe in “na write dem dey write am”. I believe they use it to scare other parties from contesting. That is what I believe and I will keep preaching it. Let’s win them first. 

From my experience, Councillors seem to act on the orders of their superiors like the local government chairman and party leaders. Would you also toe that line?

I see councillorship position as a grassroot thing. I see it as a community fight and not a party fight. It is the community that suppose to bring somebody that they trust, want and somebody they can trust and not just a situation whereby an individual will appoint the Councillor. I see it as an error. How long will that continue. We should allow the comununity to bring out who they want. That is why people representing us are not performing. Even at that, the community cannot question them because they are not the people who put them there. If you are sponsored, the sponsor will request for his or her money back. Godfatherism is affecting Nigeria and it has come to Ubulu Uku. If your godfather is not in good terms, he or she will mandate you not to also be in good terms with this community. This is exactly what is affecting the community adversely. When it happens, the community cannot have the right to question the office holder because he is not answerable to them. But it was the community that put you there, there will have the impetus to ask questions. 

Is there any form of zoning arrangement in your party-LP?

In labour party, there is no zoning arrangement. We don’t believe in zoning but we believe in candidates. We believe in capacity and we believe in antecedents. There is nothing like zoning in labour party. 

Which advice do you have for the electorates? 

What I will beg people is that they should jettison that propaganda that “Them Don write am” . It discourages people. Let the election be free and fair. I want to beg everyone to allow the election to be free and fair.