Posted by By VAL OKARA, Owerri on
Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has re-affirmed that his party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), enjoys an absolute control of the state in all its ramifications.
Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has re-affirmed that his party, the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), enjoys an absolute control of the state in all its ramifications.
The governor, who spoke through his Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Emeka Duru, during the one-million-man rally organized by the party in commemoration of Ohakim's successful one year in office as chief executive of the state, in Owerri dismissed the rumour peddled in some quarters that PPA has been reduced to an ordinary bench-warmer in the state.
Ohakim maintained that PPA has become a reference point in the country and cannot condescend to playing second fiddle to any other political party.
He commended the party's chairmanship and councillorship aspirants for their grassroot campaign and sensitisation and assured them a level playing field whenever his government blows the whistle for local elections in the state.
While commending the leadership of the party, for its support that translated into staging such a unique rally, the governor also advised members of the party to always exhibit faith with the party as it has come to stay.
In bis speech, the state Chairman of the party, Chief Okey Dike said PPA is out to stop the marginalization of the Igbo race.
He applauded Governor Ohakim's developmental strides which, according to him, has showed that PPA is a people-oriented party.
Dike assured the governor the total support of both the leadership and members of PPA in the state.
Speaking in a separate interview, the party's state Director of youths and strategy, Mr. Munonye Maximus, noted that the party has through the rally demonstrated its stronghold, adding that the event is primarily aimed at demonstrating solidarity to Ohakim.
According to him, the level of mobilization that greeted the rally has set other parties jittery in the forthcoming council elections in the state.
Munonye, who is also the director of PPA National Youth Assembly that designed the one-million-man march for Ohakim, further disclosed that the South-East zone of the Assembly has perfected all arrangements towards organizing same for Gov. Theodore Orji in commemoration of his achievements as the governor of Abia State .