●Onyedebelu: Treat members with dignity, fairness
Dr Ikedi Ohakim, former Governor of Imo State, has advised Hon Austin Onyedebelu, the newly elected Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, to be forthright and circumspect in handling party affairs as he settles down as APC’s new helmsman in the State. The former governor also admonished him to see his emergence as a vote of confidence passed on him by the APC faithful in the State. Ohakim noted that the Congress that preceded Onyedebelu’s emergence was transparent and democratic as it allowed party members to freely express their democratic franchise.
Dr. Ohakim stated this in Owerri in a Goodwill Message to the newly elected Chairman of the APC in Imo State. He made it clear that leadership is all about trust and popularity, noting that Onyedebelu’s record affirms him as a loyal and dedicated APC member in Nigeria, whose leadership credentials are not in doubt.
He urged the new Chairman to be forthright, fair, and just in his dealings with party members in Imo State,positing that without the APC members, Onyedebelu will have nobody to lead.
In Ohakim’s words to Onyedebelu : “Party supremacy is key. Treat party members with dignity, love, and fairness,they will flow with your leadership. Your election was a popular decision; a vote of confidence on your leadership credentials.Guide it with a sense of responsibility bearing in mind that party demands take precedence over personal interests.”
The former governor also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for ensuring a seamless and hitchfree State Congress of the party, cohesion, and stability in the APC, not just in Imo State alone but in Southeast and Nigeria. He pointed out that Governor Uzodimma has beyond doubt proven to be a foresighted administrator who understands the dynamics of politics,governance, and leadership. “I am personally proud of him, and I believe that every other APC member in Nigeria is,too. He has stabilised the party in Imo, Southeast, and Nigeria. He is a rare breed, and I commend his leadership style,” Ohakim stated.
