Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has received the APC candidate for Imo North Senatorial election, Mr. Frank Ibezim, with a firm assurance of the party’s support to enable him win the election, scheduled for 31st October, 2020.
Receiving the candidate at the Government House Owerri, the governor expressed confidence on the achievements recorded by the party so far and congratulated all party members for a successful outing, which he described as a victory not only for the party but for democracy.
He asserted that for the State to benefit from the dividends of democracy, all must allow the principles of democracy to thrive, as exemplified in the party’s outing, which is a pilot exercise for free and fair primaries with the result coming out positively.
He acknowledged the election as one of the best, devoid of violence, irregularities, disruptions, fighting or loss of life. This, he attributed to understanding among the party members and the aspirants, hence he thanked the aspirants for their understanding and maturity, which nine out of the 11 of them displayed by immediately calling on the winner to congratulate him few hours after the election.
The governor therefore challenged all party members to come together to rebuild, strengthen and prepare the party to win the election come October 31, 2020.
He emphasized that winning the Okigwe Senatorial election could only be achieved when the party was united, declaring that the party was on the course of victory in the State.
Governor Uzodimma admonished members of APC in Imo State to tow the part of honour and show commitment towards the building of the party by aiming at winning all elections in Imo State from now onward because “Imo is an APC State”.
On behalf of the candidate, he appealed to all, particularly other aspirants to accept their candidate with all their heart and support him and APC to win the election.
He requested them to deploy their personal experiences and resources to convince Imo people on why it was necessary for Imo State to be part of the National Government by being at the Senate, House of Representatives, Minister and the Governor.
The governor informed that it is only when the State is part of the federal government that the benefits that comes from there will be maximized by working in synergy with the State and National authority.
He asserted that APC being the ruling party at the national level is no longer news and as such with APC at the State level, it will be easier to attract federal presence and projects beyond budgetary provisions.
Uzodimma encouraged the candidate, Ibeziem and enjoined him to go about his campaigns with decorum and always call on the State for intervention when the need arises.
The governor therefore thanked all for their dogged efforts towards achieving the victory especially the State’s party leadership, the national leadership and Imo people for believing in the APC.
He assured the aspirants that lost the primary election that they have not lost anything, since they are part and parcel of the government and assured them of reaping their investments and contributions if not today, tomorrow. The governor concluded with the aphorism “victory for one is victory for all”.
Earlier, while presenting Mr. Ibeziem, the Chairman of APC in Imo State, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo informed the Governor Uzodimma that the candidate emerged through a free and fair election devoid of rancour and violence. He said that the primary was peaceful and that from the party, Mr. Ibeziem has been reassured of total support that will lead him win the elections on October 31.
Nlemigbo thanked the governor for his fatherly support, commended the efforts and dexterity of the APC leaders in Imo State and Okigwe in particular as well as APC Federal House members, State House members and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to achieve the victory.
In his acceptance speech, Ibeziem thanked the governor for giving him all the necessary support, the State Working Committee for their support and guidance throughout the election, the national and federal officers of APC of Imo extraction for their coordinated inputs and support that saw him to victory and pledged not to disappoint them.
He also thanked his co-contestants for their magnanimity in quickly reassuring him of their support and promised to carry them along in all his going to do to ensure victory to the party in the election as he passionately appealed for their brotherly support in the race.