by Happiness Ulumefoh
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State on Friday welcomed some key figures who defected from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) to join the ruling party.
The state governor, Hope Uzodimma, who received the defecting politicians, including serving and former lawmakers, with their numerous followers, commended them for their courage, wisdom and foresight.
The governor was joined by his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, and the husband, Chukwuka Ekomaru, Imo APC Chairman, Macdonald Ebere, and other key political figures and government officials in the state to welcome the new entrants at the party’s headquarters on Okigwe Road, Owerri.
The defectors include the Chief of Staff to former Governor Emeka Ihedioha during his short-lived tenure, Chris Okewulonu, former Commissioner, Chuma Nnaji, and former House of Representatives member for Ideato North and South, Pascal Obi.
Others are House of Representatives member for Owerri Municipal, West and North, Chinedu Tochukwu Okere, former Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Jonas Okeke, retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Bartholomew Onyeka, and a PDP chieftain from Nwangele, Emeka Ahuoku.
They described Governor Uzodimma as a political magnet.
Welcoming the defectors, Governor Uzodimma said, “For the wisdom, courage to take this decision, we must commend you, and I welcome all of you to our party. Real stakeholders or political class in Imo State have once more come together. This is Hope Renewed, new programme, new agenda.”
He used the opportunity to brief the old and new party members on his laudable programmes and projects that will drive human traffic to Imo and put the state on the trajectory of development in the future.
He said he was not in doubt that the new entrants into the party would add value to the state given their rich resume in public and private sector.
Speaking on behalf of their other colleagues who joined the APC, Chief Okewulonu (Okigwe Zone), Chief Nnaji (Orlu Zone), and Hon. Okere (Owerri Zone) said they were majorly attracted to the party by the exemplary leadership Governor Uzodimma has shown in Imo, and more importantly, by his superlative performance in office.
They described Governor Uzodimma as a powerful political magnet whom they are proud to share in his accomplishments, not just in Imo, but at the national level.
They committed to joining other well-meaning members of the party to value to the APC in the interest of all.
They also thanked the governor and the leadership of APC in Imo for welcoming them with open hands and promised not to let them down.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Imo APC Chairman, Dr. Macdonald Ebere, admonished the fresh members to come into the party with their whole heart.
He reminded them that they took the best decision to join the APC, insisting that when one joins the party was irrelevant because what members bring to the table was cherished more than when they became members.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief COC Akaolisa, members of the expanded Executive Council and other political appointees witnessed the defection.
Others present at the occasion include the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, with his serving and former members as well as stalwarts of the party, such as former Imo APC Chairman, Chief Marcellinus Nlemigbo, Chief Tony Chukwu, Chief Lemmy Akakem, Chief Benneth Nwokojobi, among others.
