The former Deputy Governor of Anambra State Dr Nkem Okeke has spoken out just one month after leaving office amid controversy surrounding his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a press conference at his Enugwu-Ukwu home, the Deputy Governor, who is currently the zonal secretary to the APC’s national zoning committee, said he had no regrets about joining the party because it would allow him to play national politics and contribute to his quota to the State’s and nation’s development.
He appreciated the people of Anambra for the chance to serve the state as Deputy Governor.
Dr Nkem Okeke expressed special gratitude to Senator Victor Umeh, former chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), for facilitating his selection to deputize former Governor Willie Obiano.
Rotimi Amaechi to declare presidential candidacy on Saturday
He further stated that Obiano was courteous to him by insisting on working with him in his second term, despite demands from various places for the former Governor to dump him.
He stated that the chance to serve as Anambra’s first Deputy Governor for eight years has gone down in history.
Dr Okeke believes that what happened to former Governor Obiano in his case with the EFCC could be avoided if the former Governor had surrounded himself with people of integrity who would have told him what he needed to hear rather than those who told him what he wanted to hear.
“I knew something would happen, but I didn’t expect it to happen the way it did. I am grateful that he got liberated. But, as a human being, I am conflicted. All of these things might have been prevented”.
“A good leader must surround himself with people of integrity, people to whom he will listen, people who will advise him and to whom he will listen.
That is the recommendation I provide to Prof Charles Soludo, the next Governor,” he stated.
2023 Election: Thirteen presidential aspirants emerge under PDP
Dr Nkem Okeke claimed that he did not receive his entitlement as Deputy Governor. He hoped that Governor Soludo would take the necessary action at the proper moment.
Dr Okeke stated that he had expectations while in the office, but that things did not go as planned.
He emphasized that the Governor was all-powerful and would do whatever he claimed he could.
The former deputy governor speaking about his switch from APGA to APC
“Joining the APC has to do with what comes next after serving as Anambra Deputy Governor for eight years,”
He remarked on his defection from the APGA to the APC. I thought it was past time for me to enter national politics.
And there are the APC and the PDP to help with it. As the ruling party, I elected to join the APC.
“I examined what the APC has done for Anambra and the broader South East.
“We have a lot of Anambra people in the APC who are giving their fair share to the state’s development.
I don’t have any regrets. The APC is bringing me national attention, which is already occurring. The party greeted me with open arms,” Dr Okeke observed.
