KYRIAN Ibe, the Imo Gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic People’s Congress (DPC), on Tuesday urged the incoming Governor of Imo, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, to ensure that there was a paradigm shift from the failed leadership in the state.

Ibe, in his congratulatory message to the governor-elect said: “The few months of political campaign brought to light, the reality of the abysmal level of underdevelopment in Imo and the suffering of our people.

“I wish to heartily thank and appreciate everyone who has in one way or the other contributed to the success of our campaign, and also congratulate the governor-elect on his victory.

“These few months of political campaign brought to light, the reality of the abysmal level of underdevelopment in our beloved Imo State and the suffering of our people.

“Our involvement in the gubernatorial race and the commitment of a campaign organisation was borne out of our readiness to serve the good people of Imo as the governor of the state, if elected.

“The patriotic desire was geared towards delivering democratic dividends to Imolites.

“We fought the good fight and a winner has emerged; as a seasoned democrat, I wish to congratulate the governor-elect, Emeka Nkem Ihedioha.’’

According to Ibe, the victory of Ihedioha should be seen as a victory for suffering Imolites.

“Therefore, we encourage you to bring about a paradigm shift from the failed leadership, third-grade theatrice and voodoo economics in Imo to a purposeful leadership and government-driven on ideology focused on developmental economics and meritocracy.’’

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Ibe said: “I have a lot of advice for the incoming governor and I will give so soon.

“However, we support and challenge him to purposeful leadership and government driven on ideology focused on developmental economics and meritocracy.

“He should be all inclusive; we are optimistic of a better and greener Imo ’’ Ibe told NAN.

NAN reports that Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, won in 11 of the 27 Local Government Areas, polling a total 273,404 votes to defeat his closest contender, Mr Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance (AA) who won in 10 LGAs and scored 190,364 votes.

Other participants in the 70-man Imo gubernatorial contest include Mr Ifeanyi Araraume of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a former senator who had 114,676 votes, winning in four LGAs.

APC’s Hope Uzodinma, a serving Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district garnered 96,458 votes and won in two LGAs to take the fourth position. (NAN)

– Mar. 12, 2019 @ 14:29 GMT |