Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has defended his membership of the APC in far away Atlanta, USA, declaring that the future political fortunes of Ndigbo are better served in the new mega political party.
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| Imo State Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha listens to a presentation by the Imo community in Queens New York. On his right is Ugwumba Nnamdi Akamnonu, President Imo Association, USA, and Chief Obed Ejiogu, President of Igbo Association |
Addressing Igbos of South-Eastern Nigeria origin at the 5th annual International convention of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) from 2nd August to 5
th August 2013 at the Embassy Suites
Hotel,
the governor said that the well-being of Ndigbo remains paramount in all his actions and would continue to take steps to assist Igbos to regain their rightful place in the political equation of Nigeria. Said he;
"APC remains the best vehicle to promote the interest of our people. PDP has marginalized the South East and has nothing to show for all its years in power".
He urged Ndigbo to embrace the APC because it guarantees equity and political opportunities denied them by the ruling party. He said the purported action of a faction of APGA is of little political consequence as the party lacks the national spread to ensure that Igbos make significant headway in the political leadership of the nation. He described the APC as a national party made up of progressive elements determined to ensure equitable distribution of political offices to all tribes in the country.
As one of the tripod on which the country stands, said Governor Okorocha, the Igbos deserve to be properly placed in the Social, Economic and Political fortunes of Nigeria.
He urged all progressive South-Easterners to line up behind the new party(APC) and ensure that it produces the next leaders of the country at all levels ), adding that the Party will ensure a redress the injustices made by the PDP against Ndigbo. Said he;
" Igbos have not produced the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House or the Chief Justice of the Federation but I am confident under APC, one or more of these positions will come to the South East ”.
Speaking further at the event, Governor Okorocha urged Ndigbo to channel their energies and resources towards the development of their homeland and suggested a date for Nigerians in the diaspora to return home to contribute meaningfully to the development of their home State. He pledged the commitment of his administration towards providing enabling environment to assist those willing to return home. In his words,
"my administration has embarked on projects that have significantly improved infrastructure in the state and has tackled the issue of security such that for the past six months the issue of kidnapping and other social vices have reduced significantly".
He challenged those really interested in tapping the potentials of the state to partner with his administration for mutual benefit and urged them to lend a hand to the less privileged in the society. Said he,
"while you are here enjoying the good life, have you wondered what is happening to your brothers and sisters back home? You should use your Influence and resources to make positive significant improvement in the lives of the poor back home".
Governor Okorocha was later hosted to a gala night at the newly commissioned first ever Igbo Center in Atlanta.
