Bethel Amadi Explodes, Says Imo Needs Salvation And Restoration, As Imo PDP Guber Hopeful Storm Obowo, Ihitte Uboma LGAs.

Bethel  Amadi Explodes, Says Imo Needs Salvation And Restoration, As Imo PDP Guber Hopeful Storm Obowo, Ihitte Uboma LGAs.

 As part of his resolve to inform PDP members in Imo State on why he should be the party’s governorship flag-bearer, the President of the Pan African Parliament and leading governorship aspirant on the PDP platform, Hon Bethel Amadi resumed his ongoing consultation to the 27 LGAs, narrating in lucid language that Imo State needs salvation and restoration.

Amadi took his campaign team made up of political timber and caliber in the State to Obowo and Ihitte Uboma Local Government Areas where he reeled out his vision and mission for Imo State.

While he extolled the glowing leadership skills of the First Executive Governor of Imo State, Dee Sam Mbakwe who was a son of Obowo LGA, he also narrated in details how the Okorocha administration has taken Imo State to the gallows, promising to offer quality leadership that will compliment the vision Dee Sam had for Imo State before it was truncated.

Speaking to a tumultuous crowd of PDP leaders, Stakeholders, LGA and Ward Executives at the expansive hall of Obi- Ukwu Obowo, Hon. Amadi in strong terms condemned the ongoing rot in Imo State since Okorocha came to power in 2011.

He described the present administration as a product of political accident in 2011, explaining that unemployment has risen to a frightening level while the education sector has been in comatose state despite the much trumpeted free education programme of the present administration.

He said in a State the government of the day prides as education-free State, it is regrettable that only 76 Mathematics Teachers are in the State School System, adding that the N250 million naira subventions for the Imo State University has been diverted for other purposes.

He said “IMSU Law faculty has lost accreditation of the Nigerian Law School, the Medical and Engineering Schools have also lost accreditation. The quota of Imo indigenes in the institution has been reduced.

“Imo State has dropped from 1^st to 15^th position in WAEC rankings, while the State is presently occupying the 5^th position among the five south east States in education ranking and rating. 

He fired on saying “Local Government allocation go elsewhere as it is been diverted. There is no more grassroots development in Imo State at the moment.

He pointed out that ADAPALM, Imo Concorde hotel has been shut down for months, while 10,000 youths who were employed by the previous administration were sacked by Rochas for no just cause, wondering how the State government will sustain the 25,000 Youth Must Work programme which it cannot take care of 10,000 Youths who were gainfully employed in the last dispensation.

He kicked against the motive of the State Governor who travelled to Turkey in the name of seeking for foreign investors for the State, saying the approach is faulty. He emphasized that the reverse will be the case when he emerges the State Governor as he will leverage on his exposure and position as President, Pan Africa Parliament to attract foreign investors to Imo State.  

On why he wants to govern Imo State, Amadi explained that he has acquired the right exposure and experience to steer the ship of governance of Imo State, stressing that in the last three years as President of Pan Africa Parliament, he has interacted with world leaders and key Development players across the world that will be willing to invest in Imo State.

Amadi took his time to explain to PDP members in Obowo LGA that he stood for  Okigwe zone in 2006 and 2011 when two of their sons, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume vied for the  PDP guber ticket and when Ikedi Ohakim battled to return to office as governor in 2011.

 He said “I supported an Okigwe son, Ifeanyi Araraume in 2006. He was delivered in Ikeduru LGA. The same for Ikedi Ohakim. Despite the fact he (Ohakim) supported Mrs. Ijeoma Nwafor, Prof Maurice Iwu’s daughter for Mbaitolu/Ikeduru House of Reps seat, I by God’s grace won the contest. But I still supported him in the governorship elections which led to his victory in Ikeduru during the election. Ohakim called me the last man standing  

Based on this, he said it is time such political support he gave to Okigwe zone sons be reciprocated by Okigwe Zone supporting his guber bid.

He added that he has remained a loyal PDP member having remained in the party since its inception. He commended Obowo PDP members for standing firm and for maintaining absolute loyalty despite the fact the PDP is in opposition in Imo State.

He said “It is not easy to be in opposition. Despite the fact you all are denied goodies being enjoyed by APC members, you have all have remained steadfast and committed to the party. If you had not remained firm, there would have been no PDP today. You are the live wire of the PDP in Imo State.

The member representing Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal constituency narrated his achievements and accomplishments since he went to the House of Representatives thrice. First he spoke on his numerous roles to stabilize the PDP in the House, saying he led those who stabilized the PDP in the House of Representatives.

He said “I am Chairman, President Goodluck Jonathan Caucus in the House, we stood firm when others wanted to decimate the PDP in the House. We have maintained absolute faith and loyalty in the PDP. We stood with the party when some of our colleagues were aiding the APC to take over the leadership of the House. This is why governance of Imo State can be someone who can be trusted.  Governance is a serious business and not for those who sit on the fence.   

He spoke on why he deserves the PDP guber ticket saying he is the only one among litany of governorship aspirants in the party, assuring that he has what it takes to lead the PDP to victory in the 2015 elections in Imo State.  

He said in 2003 as Chairman, Imo Caucus in the House, he led a delegation to then President Olusegun Obasanjo to press for the upgrade of the Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a federal institution.

“As Chairman of the Caucus, we attracted the N1 billion naira take off funds for ALVAN and convinced Mr. President to get Julius Berger to repair the Owerri section of the Owerri- Onitsha road. We achieved a lot in 2003. In 2007 when I was elected Chief Whip of the House and Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, we initiated the provision of several facilities for Imo Airport such as the Terminal Building, fire equipments and other incentives that we are seeing at Imo Airport in recent times.  

 Hon Amadi said he is not a political noisemaker, pointing out that he believes in strategy and planning as working tools to ensure success in any human endeavour.  He urged party members not to mistake his humility as a sign of weakness but an attribute from God.

Earlier in his remarks, Zonal Director, Bethel Amadi Campaign Organization (Okigwe Zone) and one- time Special Adviser in Ikedi Ohakim Administration, High Chief Max Ikokwu (Ebekuo) recalled how Hon Amadi strongly backed an Okigwe Zone son, Chief Ikedi Ohakim by ensuring victory for Ohakim in Ikeduru LGA.

“ Ohakim worked against Bethel’s emergence as Mbailtoli/Ikeduru House of Reps seat in 2011, but Bethel supported his ambition.  Bethel Amadi appointed a son from Okigwe Zone, Prof Nwebo as Principal Officer in African Parliament Headquarters in Midrand, South Africa

He added that because of Hon Amadi’s political pedigree and willingness to achieve results compelled the people of Mbaitolu/Ikeduru LGA to elect him to the House of Representatives three times.

In his remarks, former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Bethel Nnaemeka Maduagwu, said an Obowo son, Dee Sam Mbakwe was a gift from the people of Obowo LGA to Imo State, adding that Hon Amadi is the next gift to Imo State, describing him as the right path to follow.

He described Hon Amadi as an experienced parliamentarian whose ascendancy to the Presidency of Africa Parliament in the midst of 365 members is a testimony and reflection of his awesome leadership qualities and attributes. The Former Speaker added that the Federal Lawmaker has exposure having interacted with global leaders.

The Former Speaker said “Bethel is a man of his words; He will govern Imo State with all sincerity. I call on the people of Obowo LGA to give a man as truthful as Bethel Amadi a chance and opportunity to serve the State.

Speaking, the Director General, BACO and one time minority leader in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon (Barr) C.N.C Onuoha, said the people of Obowo LGA has a track record of producing great leaders. He said the PDP is determined to correct the political accident that occurred in the State in 2011.

He explained that the Federal Government had recalled illustrious sons and daughters of the country to come and serve in various capacities, adding that the performance of Kalu Idika Kalu at the IMF, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala at the World Bank and others made the Federal Government to invite them back home to hold key positions in the country.  He noted that Hon Bethel Amadi belongs to this category as he is undergoing tutelage to become the Governor of Imo State, having served as Vice President, Africa Parliament and presently President.

On behalf of Obowo PDP, a leader of the party in the area, Dr. Ray Emerenini, said he saw so much frankness in the words of Hon Amadi, stressing that he will always be remembered in the entire Okigwe zone for his political assistance to them.

He said Obowo PDP will sit and meet at the appropriate time and make consultations and come to a conclusion on whom to back for the Imo PDP governorship ticket. He said Hon Amadi has electoral favour as exemplified in his three time stint at the Federal House of Representatives.

In his remarks, the PDP Obowo Chairman, Hon Basil Ekweke, commended Hon Amadi for the consultation, urging him to carry on with his aspiration. He described him as a quality aspirant who has what all takes to be a good leader.

 The highlight of the event was a minute silence offered in honour of a great Obowo son and former Governor of Imo State, Late Sam Mbakwe.

The event was witnessed by top PDP leaders in the area such as Hon Theodore Anyadike, Chief Gordy Chukwu, Ex Obowo LGA Chairpersons, Chief Paul Chukwu and Hon (Mrs) Rose Onumeme, former SOLAD Obowo LGA, former ISIEC Commissioner, Nze Louis Onwunali, Chief Okey Barabara, Chief ( Dr) Amobi Ekweke, Chief Titus Uzor, Dr. Eli Dibia, Director General, Chief Willy Oke, PDP Obowo Youth Leader, Sir Bon Okoro , etc

 Later the campaign train of Hon Amadi went into a stakeholders /Town hall meeting with key leaders of the PDP in Obowo where he enumerated his unflinching commitment to fire on with his guber aspiration.

He said having strongly supported Okigwe zone in the past, which culminated in offering him a Deputy Governorship position which he turned down, it is time such support is reciprocated as the PDP moves to reclaim Douglas House, Owerri in 2015 from the grip of Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

 Leaders of the party gave him their blessings and prayed that God will grant his desire to be elected the governor of Imo State.

At Ihitte Uboma LGA, Hon Amadi was warmly received with 21 gunshots at the residence of Imo PDP Secretary, Sir George Eguh, where thousands of supporters gathered to receive him.  

 Eguh said Hon Amadi is a close friend for over 13 years, describing him as a humble man to the core. He stressed that his name features prominently on the list of those aspiring to be Imo State governor on the PDP platform. He said he plays politics without bitterness, adding that the caliber of politicians in his campaign train is eloquent testimony of his seriousness in realizing his aspiration.

In his speech, Hon Amadi said he has tremendous respect for political leaders in Okigwe zone having worked for them in the past, stating that while he aided Senator Araraume and Ikedi Ohakim in their respective bids at different times, it is time the people of Okigwe zone back his aspiration and support the collective quest of Owerri zone to produce the next governor of Imo State in 2015.

He decried the mis- governance perpetuated by the present government in the State saying what exists in the State is a government of deceit and a government of my family, my family .   He pointed out that bad leadership has ruined Imo State as the State presently is in dire need of salvation and restoration. He expressed optimism that together and collectively, Imo State will succeed in its latest political adventure.

In his brief remarks, former Mayor, Owerri Municipal Council, Hon CDB Williams echoed the fine attributes of Hon Amadi, pointing out that he is a man of integrity, credibility and purpose driven.

Former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Nnamemeka Maduagwu, assured that if Hon Amadi is elected Imo State Governor, he will provide quality infrastructure for the people of the State and guarantee good governance.

One of the leaders of the PDP in Ihitte Uboma LGA, Hon Stanford Anayo, prophesied that Hon Amadi is the next governor of Imo State considering his antecedents and political sagacity.  He encouraged the people of Ihitte Uboma to rally round his aspiration.

The event was witnessed by top PDP leaders including the party’s State Organizing Secretary, Mr. Bekebe who warmly embraced Hon Amadi to the delight of hundreds of PDP leaders such as Hon Mike Uchendu, LGA and ward executives in Ihitte Uboma LGA.

Among those on Hon Amadi’s entourage include Hon Ogide, former Special Adviser, Owerri Municipal Transport In the last administration, former Chairman, Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chief Fidel Onyeneke, former Imo PDP Chairman, Chief Anokwa,  some LGA co-ordinators of Bethel Amadi Campaign Organization, Chief Lucky Ajoku, Dr. Emma Iwuagwu, and a host of others.