Engr. John Ibrahim Ocheje has been described as “a marketable and propitious alternative” for the people of Kogi East Senatorial District in the next generation election.
This was contained in a statement issued by the President of Engr. John Ocheje Support Group, Idah Zone, Hon. Mike Adah over the weekend at an extraordinary general meeting of the group held at Idah Kogi state.
Engr. Ocheje was also described by the president as the “most marketable senatorial material in the region”.
He went further to stress that “the people of Kogi East have since lost faith in their representatives in the red chamber of the National Assembly over the years. They have evidently become disillusioned as a result of countless broken promises.
“What Kogi East does not need is a Senatorial candidate that is bogged down with moral burden and encumbrance of corruption, ineptitude, thuggery and deceit. Kogi East is beleaguered by numerous problems. The challenges of our dear District are very glaring: suffering amidst plenty, lack
of transparency in governance, unharnessed oil and solid mineral resources, youth underdevelopment, poverty, successive leadership capacity gap, dashed expectations, among others. So what is expected of us as patriots is to think and ask questions, observe and look carefully among those aspiring for political positions to see who best can lead us in order to overcome these challenges”.
Engr. John Ibrahim Ocheje, a native of Ojiala, Ayah Ward in Ibaji Local
Government Area of Kogi State was born on July 15th, 1967. He holds a BSc Petroleum Engineering from the University of Ibadan (among other lower qualifications). He has had years of experience working in the oil and gas sector of the nation’s economy. He also served as part-time lecturer in the University of Ibadan and is a member of various professional bodies including the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE).
He has worked in different parts of the world including the US and the UK which enhances his suitability for the position.
His close connection with people at the grassroots and his initiation and execution of valuable community development projects such as the funding of two borehole projects for Ojiala community, Ameh-Idoko clan palace, Ojiala village town hall project, water well provision for Ineme village and support for 2012 flood victims make him a local favourite.
He has continually shown keen interest in education and several Ibaji students and others beyond their borders have benefited from his benevolence.
“A situation whereby the name and image of a Senator is heard and seen only during electioneering campaigns can no longer be tolerated. This is the 21st century. Accountability must be demanded from all public officials – irrespective of political, religious and regional sentiments.
“As citizens, we need to think and ask ourselves vital questions about aspirants. We need to observe more carefully before drawing conclusions about whom to vote for. When all these are put into perspective, Engr. John Ibrahim Ocheje is the man who comes to mind”, added Hon. Adah.
Engr John Ibrahim Ocheje’s bid to represent the people of Kogi East, according to the group, “is not driven by the accruing financial benefits of the office” (since he already earns a comfortable wage) but is driven by self-conviction and total determination to deliver.
In his own words he has pledged;
First, wholehearted service to the people. Second, uncompromising representation that is built on trust and selflessness. Thirdly, using his huge wealth of knowledge and experience in the pursuit of Kogi state’s goal of becoming an oil producing state and consequently improving the revenue accruing to the state by using legislative organs and industry influences.
He also pledged to remain transparent and maintain close contact with the people at the grassroots. To advocate for the equitable distribution of democracy dividends such as federal and state government appointments, projects and resources. To remain the voice of the voiceless, the less privileged, the needy, the students, the poor and the defenseless.
Hon. Mike Adah concluded by stressing that “the choice of Engineer John Ibrahim Ocheje is a choice between progress and stagnation; competency and incompetency; justice, fairness, and honesty. It is also a choice between overhauling the system and enduring the stench in the current system”.
