The Imo State secretariat of United progressive party (UPP) was a beehive of activities on Saturday 14th July 2018 as the national, state, LGA and ward executives of the party, including the chairman, Board of Trustees, Chief Ama Iwueze, Deputy National Chairman, Chief (Sir) Ejike Uche, (Dimkpasaa) gathered there for the epoch making formal declaration of Comrade Precious Nwadike for the Orlu senate seat.
Speaking at the event, Chief Sir Ejike Uche described Comrade Nwadike “as an illustrious son of Orlu zone” and went on to highlight other attributes which, according to him make Nwadike eminently qualified to represent Orlu zone in the red chambers of the national assembly.
According to Dimkpasaa, “Precious Nwadike is in the mold of aspirants that our great party needs because he is educated, straight forward, resilient, has integrity and an undaunted track record. He has also paid his dues shown commitment to the plight of pensioners and the less privileged through his dogged efforts as a human rights activist. He has what it takes to offer effective representation that will impact positively on the people”.
Chief Ama Iwueze in his speech, expressed delight that Comrade Nwadike is in for senatorial race on UPP platform “and with his antecedents, pedigree and forthrightness, it means that UPP is attracting and will continue to attract the right caliber of aspirants that can win election if they eventually emerge as candidates”.
The former Deputy governorship candidate of the party in the 2015 election, Prof. Protus Nathan Uzorma in his speech, said, “Precious Nwadike is focused and resolute young man that I love and admire for his boldness, courage and fearlessness. He has always stood on the side of truth, justice and fairness and I will support and identify with his political ambition and aspiration to represent Orlu zone where I come from in the senate because he is qualified and will deliver”. He however advised Nwadike to be at alert and conscious of deceitful and dishonest political jobbers and fifth columnists who promise one thing and do another. “They pretend to be fully with you, while also working seriously against you”.
The Acting state chairman of the party, Chief John C. Nwokorie thanked the aspirant for choosing UPP as a platform, on which to pursue his aspiration and assured him that all aspirants will be given a level playing ground as the party believes in internal democracy.
Comrade Precious Nwadike, who is the Publisher of Community Watchdog Newspaper and also chairman of “OurMumudondo” movement, Imo State chapter, in his response, promised to continue to champion the cause of youths, elders and the less privileged on a higher pedestal, if elected to represent Orlu Zone in the senate.
He posited that as National President of Orluzurumee Youth Assembly for six years, he traversed virtually all the communities in the 12 LGAs of Orlu Zone and has first hand knowledge of their needs, and challenges. “As a youth, I know the aspirations, needs, and challenges of fellow youths because I can feel their pulse. As an entrepreneur, I know what lack of an enabling environment for business means. I also know what entrepreneurs need to make their businesses flourish. I also have elderly people around me, hence I weep when I think about the plight of our aged pensioners who have been subjected to psychological, emotional, mental and physical torture, occasioned by the non-payment of their statutory entitlements. I have been in the fore front of the battle to ensure that government does the needful by according our senior citizens their deserved honour and respect and will continue to do so, if elected”.
Continuing Comrade Nwadike said his five point agenda that highlights efficient and effective representation, fast tracking conducive business environment, for the growth of SMEs, addressing ecological problems in the zone and attracting people oriented projects, youth and women empowerment, will be pursued with vigour and given required attention by liasing and networking with colleagues in the various senate committees and other stakeholders to ensure that Orlu Zone and Imo State enjoy dividends of democracy.
The highlight of the event was Comrade Nwadike’s formal presentation of his five point agenda to the Imo State chairmen of the party, Chief Nwokorie and the formal presentation of UPP manifesto to Comrade Nwadike by the Deputy National Chairman, Chief (Sir) Ejike Uche, who hinted that Nwadike’s 5 point agenda are also captured in the party’s manifesto.
He however, urged him to align himself with other prominent issues in the UPP manifesto.
Comrade Nwadike was accompanied to the event by members of Comrade Nwadike Campaign Organization (CONCO), leaders of all youth and student in the state, while a former governorship candidate in the state, Elder George Ibeatuche who represented the pensioners. Many other groups and individuals also came in solidarity with the aspirant whom they said “the cap fits and should be encouraged and supported to wear it”.
