By Emmanuel Chukwu
As political parties and aspirants in Owerri Federal Constituency prepare on how to grab the position of Federal House of Representatives seat in 2023, there are two serious issues agitating the minds of the constituents. The first is which local government among the three local government areas should produce the candidate going by the rotatory arrangements guiding the game over the years.
The second question is who among the array of aspirants has the much-needed credentials and experience required for the office.
However, there is the prevailing view among stake holders in the Federal Constituency that Owerri Municipal should take the shot. This position is premised on the fact that Owerri North produced then Honourable Ezenwa Onyewuchi who won on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and later joined the People's Democratic Party, PDP. Later the candidate from Owerri West took over from him. This has by every yard stick made the Owerri Municipal council the next to produce the candidate.
From this point of view, it is believed that there would be no unnecessary contention as to which among the tripod would produce the House of Representatives member in 2023. Every possibility is that Owerri Municipal council should produce the member this time around.
Then the next question is who among the numerous aspirants is fit for the office. Like in every dispensation there are always contenders and pretenders.
In the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, there are also aspirants indicating interest to vie for the coveted office. Among them is Chief Chijioke Williams, who holds the traditional Chieftaincy title of Igbommiri of Owerri.
A consummate politician with wide ranging experience and vast knowledge of the Owerri Federal Constituency politics gathered over the years.
C.D.B Williams is not a novice in the game of politics. He is believed to be a top flight political figure with high social capital and political versatility. Believed to be a team player, a decent politician with strong belief in equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy to the people.
A native of Umuodu in Owerri Municipal, an Estate Surveyor and Valuer by profession, Hon. Chijioke Williams has not left anyone in doubt about his competence, versatility and the will to deliver the expected dividends to the people. He has done it quietly and audibly in private and public capacities. As a man who has "Voice of the people is the voice of God" as his mantra he has the abiding belief in what God can use human beings do in politics and general life.
A knight of the Catholic Church and a professing Christian, a family man who strongly believes that humanity's problems could best be solved with sincerity of purpose, selflessness and commitment to principles of fairness and justice. He has always made it clear that politics is the business of those who believe in making sacrifices for others.
His ambition to showcase his legislative potentials at the federal house started in 2003 when he made himself available to the All Nigeria People's Party ANPP and it became it's Federal Constituency candidate. In 2007 he was chosen as the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA as its federal house candidate. In each case he made impressive performance even when the parties were not given consideration in the state.
Chief CDB Williams has the knowledge of Owerri economic, political and social problems at his fingertips. His belief in the use of political power to harness the vast potentials of the federal constituency is second to none. The teeming unemployed youths, ecological and social problems bedeviling the federal constituency have always given him sleepless nights. Little wonder he has has given praises to Governor Hope Uzodinma for the transformation of Acharaubo Farms; n Owerri North, which he described as a catalyst in encouraging youths in the state to develop their agricultural skills to achieve food security and boost the gross domestic product GDP rate of the state.
CDB Williams is well educated, having attended Township Primary School, Owerri, Government College Owerri, Abia State University, Uturu, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt. He has MSC, in Estate Management, Post graduate diploma in Estate Management, Higher National Diploma, HND, Estate Management. CDB Williams did his National Youth Service N.Y.S.C in Bauchi state as an Estate Surveyor from 1982--1983.
He was Supervisor of Health in Owerri local government between 1991--1993. He was the first executive chairman, Mayor of Owerri Municipal council from 1997- 1998.
He has had wide range of working experience as an Estate Surveyor at various firms. He is Principal Consultant, C Donald Williams and Partners. A one-time board chairman, Imo State Library Board, a board member, Imo Modern Poultry Avutu. among other public positions.
As a registered Surveyor and Valuer he has deeply contributed his ingenuity to national development. He is a member, International Real Estate Institute, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, member Rating and Valuation Association of London among others.
He is also a fellow of some institutions among other positions. He has also received an Honorary Doctorate Degree award in Administration.
Chief Chijioke Williams is indeed versatile in various fields of human endeavor to deserve public mention.
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