-PDP does not reward loyalty-Ezekwem
The former State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Barr Charles Ezekwem, yesterday, 28th May, 2020, formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside former members of the state exco.They include;the State Youth Leader, Comrade Ahanonu Williams (Aburi), State Legal Adviser, Barr Ihekwoaba, South East Zonal Publicity Secretary, Dr Pope Ekwegh, national officer and Barr Awaziama, the former Local Government Area Chairmen of Ihitte/Uboma, Isu, Oguta, Orlu, Mbaitoli, Nwangele, Owerri West, Oru East, Orsu, Ehime Mbano, Ideato North, Ideato South, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Barr Ezekwem said, they left PDP and joined APC to contribute their quota and assist the Hope Uzodinma led government achieve it’s goal of turning the fortunes of the state around.
He stated that he and some of his colleagues worked so hard for the PDP and refused to defect despite several enticing offers. “We were in opposition for many years and still remained committed. Unfortunately when we produced a governor and thought we had reached the promised land, our efforts were not appreciated. We were isolated and treated like strangers in the party that we gave our all”.
Continuing, he said, “today by the grace of God, the right man to govern Imo State has emerged. A man who knows how to carry people along. A man who rewards hardwork, commitment and dedication. For instance, more than ninety percent of his appointees are committed grassroots members of the party who he rewarded for their efforts”.
He said that they were also motivated to join APC because of the governor’s marvelous performance within hundred days in office “we all know that most of the roads in the state were not motorable but within Governor Uzodinma’s hundred days in office, virtually all the dilapidated roads are wearing a new look. He has also dislodged the cabal that held the state hostage and drained it’s resources through fraudulent outrageous and over bloated wage bills, thereby saving billions of naira that will now be used to provide dividends of democracy for Imo people. We are here today to formally declare our support for the programmes and policies of the APC led government in Imo State and join hands to take our state to the next level of comprehensive development”.
The leadership of APC in the state led by the State Chairman, Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, nine members of the State Working Committee and twenty seven members of the House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Rt Hon (Dr) Chiji Collins, were on hand to receive and welcome the defectors.
Speaking at the occasion, Chief Nlemigbo thanked them for taking the right decision. He also assured them of the benefits of membership of a ruling party. He also urged them to be committed, loyal and also work hard for the growth of the party.
