The machinery to field Chief Jerry Chukwueke as the choice candidate representing Imo East in the Senate, is now firing at top gear, many thanks to the massive endorsement from critical stakeholders of All Progressive Congress (APC) Owerri Zone and beyond.
The stage was set on Friday, 25.03.2022 at a lavish dinner hosted by Chief C.Y Amako, fondly known as "Irete1", who is also the apex leader of APC in Owerri West LGA.
The night witnessed the former INEC boss, Prof. Morris Iwu extolling the virtues and generosity of his dear friend and brother, Jerry Chukwueke while disclosing that Jerry was the reason he was in the midst of his brothers from Owerri zone.
He further intimated that he came to ensure that people of Owerri Zone perfectly understand their collective thought and leaning towards the qualities of a Senator and a Rep at the House of Representatives in today's Nigeria.
Chief Iwu also emphasized that the senatorial contest is not about money, but about someone who has what it takes to build bridges across the Niger, negotiate and bring back to IMO State our fair share from Nigeria State*. He said that as a biologist, he has come to the realization that Nigeria's leadership require a buttress root and not a tap root.
Professor Iwu, speaking on an emotion-ladened voice said "I know Jerry more than many of you. Jerry is not greedy. He is not selfish. Jerry looks after his brothers, and that is why he will be my brother till I die. That is why I came to join hands to present Jerry to the good people of Owerri zone"
Continuing, Prof. Iwu said; *"Chief Jerry Chukwueke is someone who will work for all of us and not for gratifing his self interest"*. He said our resources cannot lead us to the Promise Land, hence we need a strong representation in the National Assembly.
In his remarks, Barr. Marcelinus Nlemigbo, Former State Chairman of APC, spoke of his great respect for Prof. Iwu; not only because he was instrumental to him becoming the State's Party Chairman, but also because of his uncommon wisdom. The Prince of Mbaitoli further reiterated that we need a strong presence in the Senate and in the Federal House. He referred to Prof. Morris Iwu as a Political Prophet, whose utterances have prophetic implications.
Barrister Nlemigbo expressed gratitude to Prof. Iwu for making out time to address stakeholders of APC in Owerri Zone. He assured the former INEC boss that at the appropriate time, the apex leadership of the party in Owerri zone will summon all the aspirants together, with a view to anointing a consensus candidate based on experience, reach and capacity.
Barrister George Eke in his remarks said; "since the National Assembly is a house of debate, a serious contender must have the ability to express his thoughts eloquently, and with a sound academic background. He reasoned that *"gone are the days when our national assembly members only supported the last speaker in a serious debate concerning our collective future".
Barr. Eke who enlightened his audience on the difference between a witness and an evidence, said he is a witness to the extraordinary intelligence of Chief Jerry Chukwueke, when in 2007, he emerged as consensus candidate of Owerri zone in the Gubernatorial election, after a written examination by all the contestants at the time, including himself, a practicing lawyer.
He described him as "ebullient, sagacious, restless" and someone who you cannot beat down, but will at all times express his views in line with the yearning and aspirations of his people.
Responding, Chief Jerry Chukwueke expressed appreciation for all the good things said about him. He told his people of Owerri zone about his humble beginning as a football goalkeeper with Spartans of Owerri and as night watchman at Ford Motor Company in the US. He disclosed that out of hard work and resilience, he rose to the position of Ford dealership, and finally General Manager Sales within 6 years. He said it was his visionary leadership in business that made him one of the strategic investors in Lekki, Lagos state with notable multinational corporations like Exxon Mobil and VGC.
He said if given the chance to represent Owerri zone at the Senate, he will recreate the Lekki experience in Owerri zone. Hear him; "I have continually empowered our youths as a private business man, but the platform of the Senate will add more impetus to do more. I promise to be proactive in finding solutions to youth unemployment, international certification of 3 nursing schools in Owerri zone and a functional Constituency office". Chief Jerry reaffirmed his solemn vow that people of Owerri zone will never remind or beg him to do what he ought to do for them as their Senator.
Chief C.Y Amako - the host, revealed that a business roundtable based in Abuja and Lagos are mobilizing for the right candidate with requisite contact, mobilization, capacity and means. He said that with Chief Jerry Chukwueke's position as Head of Youth and Women Empowerment, Ohanaeze Ndi-igbo, and member of Imo Economic Development Initiative, he is perfectly prepared for the task ahead.
Irete 1 said for the fact that he invited Prof. Morris Iwu and Chief Jerry Chukwueke to his house, speaks volumes. He said the days were gone when our representatives at the National Assembly empower our youths with wheel barrow and shovels. He promised to invite Owerri west LGA stakeholders to a special meeting on Ohamadike's "Owerri project" (alias Okwu Owerri Aga Ekwuya Ekwu)
Prince Lemmy Akakem the zonal apex leader of the party in Owerri zone moved the vote of thanks and closing prayer.
Dignitaries who were invited to the dinner include APC chieftains and convention delegates, party Chairmen and captains of industry.
Publisher: Don Martyn L.O
Ikeduru APC Media Hub
08032950897
Ikeduruapcmediahub@gmail.com
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