Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, who recently left the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that voting of the All progressives Congress
(APC) in the next Saturday’s gubernatorial election was the only way Anambra people could be connected to the Center.
Dr Nkem who spoke to journalists in his office at the Anambra State Government House said he has been privileged to realise that being aligned with the party at the Center has great advantage.
“I thank the Governor my Principal, for the exposure given to me through various representations which gave me a working knowledge of National politics. Let’s not be deceived, Anambra State would have attracted more dividends from this regime if they were aligned with the party at Center,” he said.
Contribute His Quota
On the issue why he left, he said it would assist him to contribute his quota to development as he claimed that he was unjustly treated by his principal, and that he was maligned in the party.
“My opinions does not count in running of the government and party, I was utterly humiliated in this dispensation. I was sidelined in most of the functions of the state, the test running of the Airport and the flagging of the party’s campaign I wasn’t invited to mention a few.
I served my principal to the best of my ability and capacity. I am not found wanting in my loyalty to the Governor in any way I want to be where I will be celebrated and not tolerated hence when other parties came wooing me, I started listening and at the end I aligned myself with the party that will attract people oriented projects to Ndi Anambra”, he expatiated.
Still speaking on his defection, he said that he would not resign contrary to what some members of his former party asked him to do to avoid impeachment, but he stated that he held a joint ticket with the governor, and would never contemplate resignation.
“I have heard people asking me to resign, but I will never resign. The decision I made to join the APC is in my interest, the interest of my family and also in the best interest of members of my constituency, Njikoka, who I represent.
“I have people who have advised me that the position I hold is not for me alone, but for the people of my constituency, so I represent them.
“I was elected on the same ticket with the governor of Anambra State, and I did not beg him to choose me as his running mate for a second term, it was he who came to me and said I will run with him for a second term and we won.”
Reacting on the allegations that he was lured with huge sums of money to join the APC, Okeke said they are untrue, but stated that he only gave three conditions to the leaders of the party and some are already met.
“I sought for audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, a bullet proof vehicle and a federal appointment after my joint ticket in APGA as the deputy governor, and that’s the only one not met yet, “ he enthused.
Greater chance of winning
Speaking on the chances of APC in next Saturday’s election, Okeke said the chances of the party are high, and that its candidate too has a greater chance of winning the election, while describing him as the best option for the state.
“I have sat and talked with Andy Uba. He has a listening ear, and a good heart. Leadership is about understanding and surrounding oneself with good hands by putting a square peg in a square hole and also ready to listen to them, and I know that is where Andy is better than them,” he stated.
He called on the people of Anambra to follow him to the Center if they have any believe in him.
He adds that the APC is the solution to the system breakdown in the state explaining that one cannot be outside the system to fix the system.
Lateefah Ibrahim
