2019 was one of the most difficult years in world history particularly for the poor. This was more so for the poor in Nigeria who depended on their daily income for survival. It was the year all human activities around the globe, were brought to a standstill, thanks to the corona virus pandemic that ravaged the world. Like in other poor countries, many Nigerian families were hungry and stranded during this period.
To cushion the effect of the suffering generated by the pandemic, many governmental and non-governmental institutions like the UN rolled out palliatives. Billions of US dollars were doled out by the UN, the US Government and other to assist especially the poorest of the world to weather through the pandemic.
Unfortunately, this was the time different levels of Nigerian government demonstrated how much ill will the bear towards their citizens. For while the UN, the US and other agencies and governments were struggling to help the poor, many states in Nigerian and politicians were busy hoarding what was made available by these agencies to use for electioneering processes. Nigerians would not have known that their governments who should be fighting to keep them alive were stealing the relief materials sent to them but for the ENDSARS protest which led the protesters to the warehouses where these palliatives where hoarded. Scores of Nigerian youths lost their lives while trying to get their ways through security barricades to the palliatives.
It was at this critical time, when Nigerian politicians where arresting and killing their people to protect the palliatives they stole from them that Hon. Pete Ibida, the Member representing Njikoka II in Anambra State House of Assembly demonstrated the stuff of leader he was. Hon. Ibida did not just give his people words of consolation during this critical period. He went beyond the call of his constituency duty to assist people from different parts of Anambra State and beyond who could not afford what to eat.
Specifically, Honourable Ibida distributed food Items, preventive and protective materials to members of his Constituency as part of efforts to insulate them from the pandemic, as well as providing food items against imminent hunger. Some of the items distributed were bags of rice, cartons of noodles, big plastic water dispensers, tubes of hand sanitizers, and packages of facemask, hand-gloves and cans of liquid soap.
Speaking while distributing the palliatives, Honourable Ibida, thanked God for protecting his Constituents despite the ravaging effect of the virulent disease in the globe. He commended the state government’s sense of urgency in battling the scourge. Hon. Ibida particularly admonished the party Chairmen, Women Leaders, Political Appointees and councilors from the area to judiciously distribute the items to the vulnerable and poor of the constituency who ordinarily cannot afford the Items. No wonder, the Local Government Party Chairman, Hon Ukaekwe described Hon Ibida as a man driven by human compassion, patriotism and charity and prayed God to reward the erudite legislator.
The Covid-19 palliatives is one of several examples where Hon. Pete Ibida demonstrated his uncommon compassion for his fellow man and compassionate leadership following the example of Christ, the compassionate King that accepted to die the death meant for others. Hon. Ibida’s imitation of Christ is not surprising because anyone who has encountered the lawmaker knows that he is a Christian to the core.
No wonder, when Hon. Ibida indicated his interest to represent the good people of Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha (DNA) Local Government Areas in the House of Representatives, his announcement was greeted with a resounding affirmation and ovation. The good people of the trio Local Government Areas know that with Hon Ibida they stand to witness practical legislation and representation that consists of people oriented bills and motions, massive infrastructural developments, youth and women empowerments programs, necessary interventions, Healthcare facilities and programs, students scholarship programs and education facilities, etcetera.
 Ide-Onyeonadilimma, the very Hon Pete Ibida, the Chief Whip of the State 7th Assembly has been an erudite Legislator with humble background. His achievements as member representing Njikoka II these past years are laudable testimonies of the more good things he is prepared to do for his people.  He has made it known and has been fulfilling his statement that under his watch, the needs of his people will not be left unattended. Ensuring that Hon. Ibida gets elected in the forthcoming 2023 election is a deed that must be done. This is responsibility incumbent on all the sons and daughters of Dunukofia, Njikoka and Anaocha. Let us vote Hon. Ibida for good governance and the future of our children.
