Prof. Jude Njoku, former Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri, (FUTO) and frontline governorship aspirant, has reacted to insinuations in certain quarters that he lacks the financial capacity to prosecute the electioneering of 2015.
Speaking exclusively to Community Watchdog recently, Prof. Njoku who was a former Commissioner for Education and earlier that of Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, averred that in decent climes it is only integrity of the candidate that can give power back to PDP, which he possesses in abundance and not financial capacity.
Prof. Njoku decried the attitude of political mercenaries who rather than demand credibility, integrity and pedigree, instead are busy talking about money as if the wealthier a candidate is, the more transparent and accountable he becomes, once elected Governor.
He then advised Imo electorate to change their poor societal value system which has rubbed off negatively on governance since the more money spent by a bad aspirant to acquire power, the money he embezzles once saddled with the responsibility of managing public funds and the worst for our dear state, which is in a hurry to catch up with Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt.
“My antecedents speak for me and you all know my origin and background. I feel that most of our present leaders are people who have no identifiable classmates or managerial experience to govern a sophisticated people as Imolites. Having governed a reputable University as FUTO, I have the potentials to govern Nigeria. It is on this note that I ask Ndimo to support those who will win the election against those who will win the primaries”, he stated.
He then assured that he is the fit and proper person to be governor, with more than enough potentials and clout to mobilize resources.
Meanwhile, Prof. Jude Njoku while visiting Ideato North LGA, in continuation of his consultation with PDP leaders over his aspiration as Governor of Imo State, advised them to listen to the yawning of the masses who are of the opinion that it is not enough to win the party ticket but more importantly the general election. He stressed that the party must select a candidate who will be acceptable to other contestants as well as opposition political parties. Presenting his vision for a greater Imo State, Prof. Njoku stated that if elected, he will take as priority the development of mechanized agriculture, opening of small and medium scale industries to create wealth and empowerment through gainful employment. Njoku also promised to establish satellite towns in the three zones of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe, in order to decongest Owerri and reduce the massive urban migration.
In his welcome address, the Ideato North LGA chairman of PDP, Arch Leo Munonye said, “with people like Prof. Njoku, PDP has a credible candidate”. He described Prof. Njoku as a humble, pragmatic and down to earth person who has the capacity to rule and whose aspiration is worthy of PDP support.
“I know Prof. very well. We worship in the same church. We know him when he was FUTO VC. With people like him, PDP has a credible candidate”. Continuing, he advised Imolites to shine their eyes very well so as to elect technocrats who will lead them into a well organized society like Anambra, Enugu Abia and Ebonyi States. At Ideato South, the PDP apex leader, Chief Mbakwe, said the people have been praying and waiting for such a time a civilized, educated and enlightened person as Prof. Njoku will rule Imo State. He urged Njoku to be steadfast, remain focused and not to be intimidated or disillusioned by any one.
Both Chiefs Bonny Ebili and former PDP state woman leader, Mrs. Josephine Nnoham (SOSO) eulogized the virtues of Prof. Jude Njoku and pledged to support the man the Ideato Nation who Njoku earlier said are resourceful and industrial people, would be proud to call their Governor, saying, ‘we have shined our eyes. We are proud to have you in our midst and welcome you to Ideato. Thank you for coming and your entourage, use prayer, nothing is more important and potent than prayer. Don’t be afraid or discouraged. Money is not everything”.
Earlier at Ntueke in Ideato South, the former award winning Vice-Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. Njoku advised PDP members in the area to select a person who is humble, amiable, trustworthy and humane insisting that he is the most qualified to be the governor of Imo State once reputation and records of service are used as criteria to select a winning candidate.
He admonished the stalwarts against mortgaging their conscience to money bags especially now that PDP has all it takes to reclaim Douglas House. “Support me by encouraging your delegates to vote for me during the PDP primaries. Pray for me and offer words of advices when and where necessary. I will not disappoint you. I will obey you. I will offer employment and appointments to your sons and daughters. I did it in FUTO. I will revive local government system. May God grant you wisdom to choose aright”. Ideato people whether in the North or the South LGAs came short of endorsing Prof. Jude Njoku as candidate of PDP for the 2015 governorship election going by the enthusiasm demonstrated and displayed by the crowd that welcomed Prof Jude Njoku and his entourage throughout his consultative visits there.
Courtesy: Community Watchdog Newspaper
