As we commence the journey of political escapade, it is worthy to review the qualities and capacity of the would be representatives. However, today’s world has been overtaken by the multiple voices of dissention buoyed by the right of freedom of speech. Many have taken to the various media premises to misinform and misdirect on the actual disposition of the actual status quo of persons and platforms.

Analysing the factual disposition of the man seeking to represent the good people of Abia Central at the Senate, you would be amazed to note that the misrepresentation has been quite stupendous but erroneous over the years and due to his gentle reciprocation on views, little has been done in form of counter reviews for public spaces. However, no other other opponent matches the pedigree of the indomitable Col Akobundu, in capacity, tenacity, efficacy and advocacy.

 *1. Human Capacity Building;* 

A peep into the political careers and position of about 75% of past, present and future political leaders from Ikwuano, Umuahia, Abia State and beyond has the imprint of Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd) written on them. This is not counting the impacts made in other sectors outside politics in Nigeria as a whole. You would hardly find any sitting political leader of note who hasn’t drawn from the immense resource of this living legend. By advice, financial support, guidance, placement or connection, so many, including so many proponents and opponents of recent political sorjourn, are privately grateful to him.

 *2. Community Development;* 

It is on record that Col Austin Akobundu has been responsible for the annual grading of his community roads for years from personal pockets. Against popular opinions, this is an individual who has used personal funds to alleviate the condition of road contracts awarded him but not funded by the Clients.  A man who single handedly rebuilt the Women Civic Hall at Oloko besides the facilitation of the market. Many communities along the Ndoro – Oloko road linked power supply after he personally ran the power cables that brought power supply from Ndoro to Oloko. While most of the critics wag their tongues, they fail to ask themselves, “What have I done to contribute? Today, the only Government General Hospital in Ikwuano stands at Olori, irrespective of operational status, it was attracted to Ikwuano by the man – Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd).

3 *. Human Resource Building;* 

Building individuals has been the core of society Development. So many graduates and employed Abians give their testimony of gratitude to the retired but not tired Colonel. Job placements at various levels and institutions without counting the plethora recorded in the military sector allude to his personal human resource impact. By these acts, food has been placed on the table of many families, unemployment reduced, careers built and sustained as development is proferred.

 *4. Social Welfare Management* 

Unknown to many, this Philanthropist runs a Social welfare scheme that manages widows and widowers for the past 40years. He has often refused to quote this in public space owning to his personal belief that the rewarder is God. Besides the sustenance of these persons by form of food and health bills, he organizes an annual Celebration at The end of each year to give to the indigent, a sense of belonging, a voice of recognition and a pride of place.

5 *. Industrial Management;* 

Here is a seasoned Manager and captain of industry with proven track records. Today, politics is considered as a dump site of every Tom, Dick and Harry who have found no place of relevance. Little wonder why everyone, employed or not are all keen on being politicians. Most fraudsters who make their income from very dishonest means quickly take succor in the comfort of Politics. However, not the PDP flag bearer for Abia Central Senatorial seat. Col Austin Akobundu is a true technocrat who has managed business systems and developed other managers to the level of global repute. That quality of industrial Management and Business Development remains a major lacking factor in the political sphere of today. Akobundu has got it.

 *6. Philanthropy and Charity;* 

Col. Austin Akobundu has paid and still pays the medical bills of numerous persons from Abia State and beyond. He has assists so many homes to provide their basic daily food. He has paid examination fees and runs Scholarship schemes for countless individuals yet refuses to go public about them. This is not withstanding his relentless donations to Charity organizations, Churches, support to indigent persons and other free will support. People should strive to emulate such benevolence and quit castigating the excellence of virtues we should strive to emulate.

7 *. Leadership and Management;* 

As a career personnel, he rose to the level of a Colonel in the Nigerian Military with countless successful military exploits.

As a Party officer, he has served as an ex- officio, as a National Vice President and the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, he was appointed a Federal Minister for 2 months and 9 days before the overthrow of that Government. He is the Managing Director of his Construction company amidst other appointments held on the bases of meritorious service. This therefore furnishes us with the details of seasoned Leadership acquired overtime in various sectors of diverse extremes encapsulated in one person – Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd).

 *8. Experience & Expertise;* The former military guru had a brilliant career with the Nigerian Army where he rose from the station of an ADC to a Military Administrator. As a military officer, his records of achievements are impeccable. 

By the end of his military career, his love for service led him into politics where he also held several leadership positions. His appointment as the National Vice Chairman of PDP for South East Zone brought decorum, justice and equity to the party in the South East and to the Party at large.

He also served as the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, his most recent feat which is still fresh and evergreen in the memories of many which orchestrated the political and structural repositioning that heralded the rebirth of the PDP.

It’s time to disregard the dissenting muses of detractors and give assent to this gallant exponent of excellence. Abia Central Senatorial Zone is indeed privileged to have such an experienced, Sagacious, Magnanimous, Benevolent, unbiased, Perspicacious protagonist on this imperial March. Col Austin Okwudiri Akobundu(Rtd) remains the most balanced diet on the menu for the 2023 elections.

Now you know, wouldn’t you rather join our team? 

 *Dr Ugo Ezeribe*