As the 2023 general election draws near, the governorship aspiration of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has continued to garner support and solidarity from across the state and political inclinations.
This time from the people of Okigwe Zone operating under the aegis of the Bring Back Ihedioha Movement, (BBIM).
At a well-attended courtesy visit, held Sunday, at the country home of Hon. Ihedioha in Mbutu, Aboh Mbase LGA, the leaders of Okigwe zone, in a unanimous expression of solidarity, urged the former governor, to immediately, declare, publicly, his intention to run for the governorship seat in the state.
The Leader of the PDP in Okigwe Zone, Chief Chris Okewulonu, who spoke on behalf of the group, stated that the visit of the mainstream leadership of the party in Okigwe zone to Rt. Hon. Ihedioha, is driven by patriotism and in the overall interest of the state.
Hear him; “We are here this Sunday afternoon, from the 64 wards and six local government areas of Okigwe zone, to remind Your Excellency that you still have a date with posterity, to continue the good job you started in May 29, 2019.
“You are a man who truly loves and means well for this state. I have been part of your vision to develop our state since your first governorship election in 2015, which I led as the Director General. And since then, we have not wavered on our conviction for the vision and mission to rebuild Imo State.
“Here are array of leaders of our party in Okigwe zone, who believe in your leadership, track record and capacity to deliver on your promises.
“Our mission is to urge you to declare for the governorship position in the 2023 elections. The state is yearning for you, women, youths, civil servants, pensioners, businessmen and women are all yearning for your return to office and we are here to do the needful as party men and women.
In his address, Chief Peter Orji (Bigdoo) noted that there is no alternative to Ihedioha in Imo State.
“We are here to ask you to declare to contest for the governorship of Imo state. I am here as the leader of the Bring Back Ihedioha Movement, with the coordinators and steering committee members of all the wards in Okigwe.
“In the last election, PDP did not do very well in Okigwe zone. We are here to assure that what happened in 2019, will never happen again because we have learnt our lessons and are ready for the battle ahead”.
Chief Orji, noted that Hon. Ihedioha commands so much goodwill and respect across the country as a result of his integrity.
“I can say without equivocation that Chief Ihedioha commands a lot of respect and goodwill across the country. He is a fearless go-getter who is passionate about the development of Imo State.
“Ihedioha restored confidence in governance and laid solid foundation for the rebuilding of the state. You all saw the great work he did but today, there is no joy in the state”
He therefore urged the former lawmaker, to hastily consider the request of the people of Okigwe zone and join the race, without delay.
Reading the official resolution of the group, Prof Obioma Iheduru, disclosed that the visit is borne out of genuine concern for the state.
He said, “We, the people of Okigwe zone are here today in our numbers to pay respect to a man who respect is due. Our visit today is driven by Bring Back Ihedioha Movement, a unique movement of Okigwe Initiative to drum support for the return of Your Excellency to the Government House, come 2023.
“We are here to urge His Excellency to immediately declare to run for the governorship seat of the state. Okigwe zone had it so good during his seven months in office. Against all odds, he supported Okigwe to produce the Speaker of the House of Assembly in 2019.
In his speech, business mogul and construction giant, Chief Chinedu Chukwuonye, commended the people of Okigwe Zone for their courage and selflessness in seeking the return of Hon. Ihedioha.
Chief Chukwuonye threatened to drag Ihedioha to court and demand for N100 billion in damages should he fail to declare his interest to vie for the governorship of Imo State.
He promised that the zone is ready to make available the necessary logistics, including funds to realize the project.
In his reaction, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, thanked the visitors for considering him worthy of the task of rebuilding the state at this critical time.
“I must thank you for finding me worthy of the task of saving our state from the current hardship and hopelessness. It is indeed quite humbling for me to have people from the 64 wards of Okigwe zone on the same page and in one accord for the good of our state.
“I understand the intent, desire and commitment to our state. I did not invite you. You came in your own and my duty as a leader is to listen attentively and I have so listened to every thing you have said. I have seen here, great friends of mine who have influenced my life in the most positive manner. And I am touched by the solidarity.
“I will urge you to continue to pray for your party and our state. We shall collectively yield to the will of God to Rebuild our state. I have forgiven anybody that offended me. I have a spirit and heart to forgive because we are not perfect as humans. We must unite for the good of our state and the children unborn”
Highlight of the event was the presentation of a ram, bowel of kolanuts, palm wine and a Bible to Rt. Hon. Ihedioha.
Other leaders who spoke included Chief Charles Ezekwem, Chief Stanley Ekezie, Chief Adolphus Obi, Chief Ben Nwoluka, Chief Rich Abanihe, Chief Jasper Chukwuemeka, Chief Dom Egwim, Rt. Hon. Lawman Duruji, Mrs. Ngozi Oguike,
Present at the parley were; Chief Richmond Osuji, Chief Maxwell Nnawuihe, Engr. Chibuzo Agulanna, Chief Ugochukwu Amuchie, Chibuike Onyeukwu and leaders of various support groups.
