Okorocha Woos Igbos, Insists They Are Better Off In APC

Posted by African Examiner Featured, Latest Headlines, News, News From The State, Nigeria 2015 Election Friday, December 19th, 2014

From Ignatius Okpara, Owerri – Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has enjoined the Igbo race to embrace the opposition All progressive Congress (APC) insisting that the people are better off in the party.

He also stressed the need for Igbos to imbibe team spirit and unity of purpose in their quest to be in Nigeria’s political mainstream, which according to him is guaranteed in APC than any other political party.

Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha

The Governor who stated this Friday when he received members of crisis- ridden, apex Igbo socio cultural body, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Imo State Chapter, who paid him a courtesy visit in Owerri, regretted the level of marginalization of the Igbo nation by the ruling party, the PDP.

He said the Igbo race has continued to suffer perpetual neglect and marginalization in the affairs of Nigeria, since the inception of the PDP led federal government in 1999 till date, irrespective of the fact that they are part of the tripod of Nigeria.

Governor Okorocha asserted that all the key positions in the country have eluded the Igbos, as well as the siting of developmental projects by the Federal government.

The governor, hinted that his participation in the APC presidential primary election was to ensure that Igbos are given their pride of place in Nigeria, stressing that “for me, time has come for Igbos to reason together.”

“Ndi Igbo should no longer be relegated to the background, we should take our rightful position in Nigeria polity and say no to second fidel.

“With my action it is crystal clear to APC and entire Nigeria that Igbos are alive to take their position.

“I will not stop the struggle till there is liberation for Ndi Igbo and until ordinary man is liberated”.

Okorocha further posited that “what we need is a national party that will carry Ndigbo along, Igbos are better off in APC”.

The Governor enumerated some of the strides of his Rescue Mission Government in the State in the areas of massive infrastructural development, free education including the springing up of four new Universities in Imo State under three years and seven months, among others.

He maintained that the difference between APC and the Peoples Democratic Party’s years of maladministration in the State points to how the 2015 general election will be and assured of his preparedness backed with vision to take the state to a greater height.

He therefore, urged Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to reconcile their differences and speak with one voice, as an apex umbrella that covers the entire Igbo nation.

“You must speak for Ndigbo, raise good leaders,” he noted calling on the group to partner with his Rescue Government.

Speaking on behalf of the Ohanaeze delegation, President, of the Imo State Chapter of the Organization, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, appreciated the administrative acumen of Governor Okorocha, which he noted has transformed the image of the State within and beyond the State as the envy of many.

The Ohaneze chieftain had described the organization as a mass movement organization which stands to support every government that is people-oriented.

He added that Okorocha’s inability to secure the APC presidential ticket was an answered prayer for him not to leave Imo State at this point.

The group however, pledged their unfitching support to Okorocha as he begins his second term journey, arguing that his second term will be needed for him to consolidate on his achievements.