‘Your Leadership Style Motivated Our U-turn’, Newly Joined APC Members Tell Gov. Uzodimma

FROM = EVEREST EZIHE, Owerri

  It was like a political drama last weekend in Imo State as All Progressives Congress (APC) members in the State who defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) during thebuild up to the 2019 general elections returned to their original political base as they attributed their decision to the sterling leadership qualities of Governor Hope Uzodimma.

  This is contained in a press statement endorsed by Mr Chukus Oguwike, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor and made available to The Authority in Owerri on Sunday noting that the returnees made the statement as, Dr. Henry Okafor, the State Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) led them on a solidarity visit toGovernor Hope Uzodimma at the Government House Owerri.

Dr. Okafor who spoke on behalf of the othersin a prepared speech told the governor ably represented by his deputy, Prof.Placid Njoku, that they are back to APC to lend their support to his sterlingleadership qualities.

The members who were received at theExecutive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri said they were originalmembers of APC in Imo State but left the party in 2019 to pursue their variouspolitical interests and that since the days of politicking are over and “havingobserved the tremendous achievements of Governor Hope Uzodimma in a shortperiod of his being at the saddle” they have in “unison decided to return towhere they belong and support the prosperity Government of APC in the State”. 

Dr. Okafor expressed satisfaction with the administrative performance of Governor Uzodimma in Imo State, hence they taught it right andproper to quickly rejoin their brothers in APC to contribute their own quota in the upliftment and transformation of the State.

He appealed to the Governor to receive andintegrate them into the main fold of APC in the State, promising that they arehonest in their decision and have a lot to contribute to further speed up therate of developmental achievements in the State.

Dr. Okafor further acknowledged the Governor’s solidand verifiable achievements in the area of road infrastructure, healthcaredevelopment, social welfare, security of lives and property that have resultedin reduced crime in the State and education, especially the proposed Imo StateUniversity of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and many more in just ashort period.

The Chairman also seized the opportunity toappeal to the governor to use his good offices to untie the naught that isholding the realization of the State Marine University at Osse Motor Oguta LGA of theState which is over 60% completion, emphasizing that the University whencompleted could be a campus of the new university of Agriculture andEnvironmental Studies.

Receiving the group on behalf of theGovernor Uzodimma as he was inadvertently absent due to exigency of duties, Prof. Njoku expressed happiness at their wise decision of retuning towhere they rightly belong and enjoined them to feel free as “Imo State belongsto all of us, especially those who mean well and are genuine in their taughtabout the State.”

The Deputy Governor informed them that the Governor hashis hands wild open for all and sundry knowing full well that it is only whenall hands are on deck that the State will deliver the desired dividends ofdemocracy to Imo people.

He used the opportunity to inform the groupof some moderate achievements of the administration in spite of allegedly starting off ona zero note from past administrations. 

The achievements, the deputy governor said,are anchored on the 3Rs mantra of the administration that entails Reconstruction,Rehabilitation and Recovery. 

Prof. Njoku reminded the group that GovernorUzodimma is a man that does not forget easily and as such mindful of the issuessurrounding the Marine University and assured that at the appropriate time theGovernor will give the project the attention it deserves.

He thanked the APGA members for returning back to APC andassured them of automatic qualification to all rights and privileges ofmembership of political party in the State.

Highlight of the occasion was the formalacceptance of the group into APC by the State Chairman of APC, ChiefMarcon Nlemigbo.

Others present at the occasion were theAttorney General and Commissioner for Justice,Barr. C.O.C Akaolisa, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie,and some members of the Imo State Expanded Executive Council.