Tunji Adedeji
The Former Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Professor Jude Ejike Njoku on Saturday officially declared his intention to contest for Imo state governorship race under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform in the 2019 election.
Prof Njoku who served as a two-time commissioner in Imo State, first as commissioner for education and later as commissioner for land, survey and planning made this declaration at the PDP Secretariat along Okigwe road, Owerri Imo state before party leaders other stakeholders and members of his campaign organization.
Prof. Njoku while declaring his intention to seek election to be the next occupant of Douglas House, Owerri, the seat of government of Imo State, pointed out that the formal declaration of the former Vice-Chancellor is the climax of series of consultations across the length and breadth of state which he began since September last year.
According to the erudite scholar ,”the reason why I’m running for Imo gubernatorial seat is because I’m the most educated, most knowledgeable, most trusted most accessible and most humble . Imo State needs a technocrat like me, we don’t need regular politicians .we shall restore sanity and order in governance of Imo state. I have come to restore hope and confidence and restore due process in the system.”
“I remained the surest way for PDP victory in 2019 because I don’t have enemies and I quickly forgive because malice is not good for my health. I don’t belief in primitive acquisition of wealth because too much wealth is a burden unto my soul.”
The governorship hopeful opined that he had last September at his country home in Eziala Obiangwu, Ngor Okpala local council of Imo State, informed a select audience made up of party leaders and other stakeholders of his intention to seek election to the office of Governor of Imo State.
He said as a seasoned technocrat and consummated administrator he came from the most marginalized council area in the state ,Ngor-Okpala LGA ,noting that Ngor-Okpala had never produced a governor, senator, Minister among others.
He maintained that his consultations during most of the consultation exercise received widespread acceptance across the three major power blocks of the state namely; Orlu, Owerri and Okigwe, hence his decision to actualise his quest to govern Imo State under the platform of PDP.
Njoku who was the former Vice Chancellor of FUTO between 2000 and 2005, a period many see as the golden age of the higher institution.
Following the rapid transformation of the university, he won the Best Chancellor award for Nigerian Universities.
Njoku, who is campaigning on Restoration Agenda also at the event, unfold his policy document through which he intends to restore the State to it lost glory.
However, Prof. Njoku’s declaration which was described as a huge success by a cross section of party chieftains attracted eminent sons and daughters of the state as well as prominent politicians, including some members of the National Assemblies and top government functionaries.
