A foremost businessman and key political figure from Owerri zone, Chief Henry Njoku (popularly called Harritex), has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressive Congress (APC).

He made the move with hundreds of his supporters, associates and friends across Imo State.

Making the declaration at the Government House, Owerri, Njoku said he decided to join the APC after due consultations with his family, friends and associates, and after carefully studying the Governor Hope Uzodimma’s governance mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.

He said his conviction of the personal antecedents of Uzodimma also convinced him that Imo State is in safe and capable hands.

Njoku eulogised the capacity of Uzodimma to pilot meaningfully the affairs of the state and said he is joining the governor in APC to assist in contributing to the laudable goals and aspirations of the Governor.

He said in joining the APC he would be committed to the ideals, philosophy and ideology of the party under the leadership of Chief Marcon Nlemigbo-led State Executive Council and Governor Uzodimma as the State Leader.

Njoku further assured of his willingness to unite all party men, women and youths from Owerri North and beyond into a one and stronger forum to assist the Governor achieve his set goals.

He however added that he is leaving his former party, the PDP with good heart and without grudges, but “with the hope and believe that the members will understand and appreciate the high philosophical and intents of the movement.”

Receiving Njoku and his supporters to the APC fold at the EXCO Chambers Government House Owerri, Uzodimma said he is not surprised to have the influential businessman in his fold. He noted that Njoku has been his longtime friend who played politics with him from one political party to the other and who still believes in him.

The Governor assured Njoku and his supporters that they have made no mistakes in joining the APC, noting that their joining is like a home coming.

He assured them that their joining the APC guarantees them all the rights and privileges of the party and that as time goes on, all of them will be properly integrated and assigned responsibilities that will make them relevant in the party.

Uzodimma reiterated that he has come to serve Imo people and that everyone working with him is obligated to do same. He regretted that if not for greed that brings about quarrels, there is enough for everyone to take home and take care of their needs.

Welcoming the new entrants earlier, Imo State APC Chairman, Nlemigbo, described Njoku as a bridge builder, a peacemaker and leader in Owerri Zone. He thanked him for joining the APC movement to support Uzodimma, the only Governor South-East and South-South of Nigeria.

Other APC leaders from Owerri zone also spoke glowingly about Njoku.

One time governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Chief Martin Agbaso, said they accompanied Chief Njoku because of “the absolute trust” they have in the Governor to do a lot for the State.

Prince Lemmy Akakem said that he was happy to be part of the success story of Njoku’s decision to join APC, describing him as a worthy son of Owerri and Imo State in general.

In the same vein, Chief Charles Amadi, an ardent believer in Governor Uzodimma, described the day as very special in the political live of Owerri people, saying: “APC as a party has finally conquered Owerri Zone with the entrance of Harritex.”

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku, was not left out when he said that Njoku “is a heavy weight in the politics of Owerri North and Imo State in general”. He commended the leaders who played one role or the other in convincing Njoku to finally join APC.

•PHOTO: Governor Hope Uzodimma (c), Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku (4th left), Chief Charles Amadi (4th right), Chief Martin Agbaso (3rd left), Chief Lemmy Akakem (3rd right), Chief Henry Njoku (Haritex) (2nd left) and other leaders of Owerri North at the Government House, Owerri

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