THE immediate past Deputy Speaker of the Imo state House of Assembly, Okechukwu Onyekanma, has expressed optimism that the Peoples Democratic Party, will take over power in the state come 2023.

Onyekanma, who was the deputy speaker during the tenure of Emeka Ihedioha, which was truncated by a Supreme Court judgement, said the people of Imo State will replace Governor Hope Uzodinma, via the ballot box.

The lawmaker said this while handing over a two-bedroom bungalow he built for an indigent widow, Mrs Ngozi Tasie, who lived in a shanty for over 25 years at Obazu Mbieri-Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

He accused Uzodinma of performing below the expectations of the people of the state, noting that the administration led by Ihedioha started on the right footing before it was forced out by the Supreme Court ruling.

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Speaking on the house gift to the widow, he said, “I was touched when I heard that the 59 – year-old widow and mother of five children did not have a house. I said to myself that building a house for her would alleviate her suffering. I thank God that I am here today, to handover this building to this poor widow.

“This project is in line with my vision to accomplish life touching projects in my constituency and to give practical meaning to quality representation.”

On her part, the widow said, “I am extremely thankful to Onyekanma for bringing so much joy to my family. God has used Onyekanma to put an end to the suffering of my family. I never knew that I would be a house owner today. I am in a state of joy. Glory be to God Almighty.”