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By Samuel Torlumun
He was didactic on how to restore the dignity of the Imolites. His mission is clear, and time can no longer wait, to get Imo to her pride position again. In the next coming governorship election comes November 2023, Chinedu Amadi, a philanthropist, accomplished businessman, a deep thinker, a Commonwealth and PTDF Scholar who hails from Mbaitoli LGA, has the right experience to salvage the situation in Imo. He is contesting under the platform of Labour Party, LP. He spoke to Apex News Exclusive on what motivates him and his leadership qualities, excerpt;
How would you describe the state of affairs in Imo State?
Imo state is regarded presently in Nigeria as the homeland of terror, violence and premature death. Once you mention to anyone in Nigeria that you are heading to Imo state now, you can feel the pity in their voice as they wish you a safe stay. Imo is the sambissa of the South East. Imolites currently live in a war zone. Imo represents the best in all negative performance indices in Nigeria – from highest mortality rate of above the average of 26%, it records between 35% and 90% for early childhood death. Imo has the worst unemployment rate, leading all states in Nigeria with a record high of 56.64%. Imo has the lowest IGR in the entire SE and Imo of course is the champion land of terror in the entire SE zone. Unfortunately, this is the reality of Imo state.
You have indicated interest to be the next governor of Imo State. What is the motivation behind your quest?
By the Grace of God, I shall be the next governor of Imo state with the support of well meaning Imolites. The real stakeholders of the state eschew injustice, violence and nepotism. Imolites are peaceful people and very vibrant, focusing on positive energy towards achieving sustainable livelihood. My motivation to be at the helms of affair by partnering with the good people of Imo is the need to restore the dignity of Imo. A state that used to be known as the most peaceful state with a thriving economy, suddenly no one can sleep with one eyes closed. The motivation is to bring to reality a peaceful, secured and progressive Imo. It is achievable and by the cooperation of Ndi Imo, we shall get Imo back to her prideful position. God is with us.
Do you think you possess what it takes to clinch the number one job in the state?
I believe that God has prepared me for this moment and I am certain that with the training, experience and interactions over the years, I have the right experience to salvage the situation. It is important to note that the people of Imo are yearning for a true partner to get them out of the present state of misery. I schooled in FUTO and graduated in the early 2000, it is an institution that has high moral and academic standards. The foundational training at FUTO prepared me for my study at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, where I got masters degree. I am a commonwealth and PTDF scholar. I worked in the United Kingdom with Nexen Petroleum UK Limited Uxbridge London and with ExxonMobil in Lagos and Houston Texas. I am highlighting this background to make you aware that there was no shortcut in my journey. I worked in the best environment, multi cultural and in depth exposure. Naturally, thinking out of the box to proffer solutions is a key quality to be at this level. God is with me in this journey, by His Grace I run a group of companies, working with various people to deliver innovative solutions to various challenges. My background, experience and exposure gives me the agreed position as the best candidate for the job. I built my companies with zero fund and I am innovative, resilient and a goal getter. My mind, my eyes and my system only thinks, sees and work out solutions. This is how I’m wired.
Why did you pick Labour Party as the vehicle to achieve your goal of becoming the next governor of Imo State come January, 2024?
For the first time, in this democratic dispensation of our beloved country, Nigerians of similar ideology have come together under one canopy as a United family to pitch the need of a new Nigeria that is possible under the Labour Party. The LP is the platform with assemblage of people that hates injustice, selfless and progressively minded. We have a mixture of people who have said “no” to the misrule of other political parties and those who have never been in politics. Labour is the home of people united against injustice and a better Nigeria. I joined Labour Party because it aligns with my goal of a better Nigeria and Imo state.
Imolites are a people that do not like cheating and so naturally they are mostly in Labour Party. It is the fastest growing party in Nigeria. The election of February 25, 2023 will be an eye opener that a new political era has been birthed. Thanks to Labour Party, her executives and our principal H.E Peter Obi. Nigeria shall be great again! I believe Labour Party is divinely ordained, the symbol of “papa, mama and pikin”attest to the fact that God is with us, and naturally I am confident that being in LP, the governorship of Imo is in my hands.
Are you not intimidated by other big names that have also indicated interest to run for the governorship election both from Labour and other parties?
Honestly, we have capable leaders especially in LP and at this time I am the best man for the job. Right, now I am focused on the solutions to Imo problems and with due respect to other aspirants, I urge them to work with me to give Imo her rightful place.
What will be the major plank of your campaign if you eventually pick the ticket of your party?
Imo needs to be secured!
Imo needs to prosper!
Imo needs to regain her dignity!
Security, Prosperity and Dignity would be driving vehicle for Imo.
We understand the colossal loss being experienced by Imolites in their state. Life is no longer sacred and safe, properties and businesses are constantly under attack and destroyed. No state can thrive under the present security challenges threatening Imo. The primary role of government is the security of lives and properties, Imo presently is in a sorry state and clearly shows the government of the day has failed Ndi Imo. Our people can’t wait for this nightmare to be over. I assure them that security situation would be arrested and Imolites will go to bed with their two eyes closed. Terror would be over and our state shall thrive better.
Prosperity of Imolites would be achieved, following the assurance of a secured Imo – Imolites can go about their daily businesses unmolested 24/7. Industries and agricultural schemes would be created to arrest youth unemployment, salaries, pensions and gratuities would be paid accordingly. Imolites will enjoy a safe business and work environment. This would attract investment opportunities into Imo. Solutions to Imo problems is not rocket science. We have our plans intact for a prosperous Imo.
Dignity of Imo would be restored. Imolites are now living in fear and hiding. Most of Ndi Imo are ashamed to talk about their state anywhere. Our people are looked at with pity believing that the bad stories has no end, but I want to assure Imolites that by January 2024, their woes would be over and they can walk with their shoulders high. Imo dignity would be restored. The 24/7 business and life style across the state would come back. People from far and near would plan their weekends and vacation to the homeland of peace, prosperity and enjoyment – Imo. I am feeling it already and I tell Ndi Imo that the journey of the wilderness has come to an end. Imo dignity is back!
Now, who is Chinedu Amadi?
Chinedu AMADI is simply Chinedu AMADI; the one God is leading. I am from Umuriogwugwu, OHUBA Ubomiri in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo state. I come from a devout Catholic Christian home. My father of blessed memory was born into the AMADI family and he was a gardener. My mother was a seam stress. I enjoyed parenting from very hardworking, honest and diligent parents. It is the bedrock of all my moral values. I am a community builder with a strong focus on youths and women empowerment. I believe their are low hanging opportunities to engage the youths for them to have sustainable means of livelihood. I am a practicing Catholic and a knight of Saint Mulumba. I am happily married with 5 children.
You are trained as a geologist and you have done well in the field. How did you transit from a geologist to a politician?
Geology is the study of the earth and the resources there-in and how to harness such resources for the betterment of man. Transiting into business was made possible by selfless nature to loom out for others. I was interested in housing for all, as I had a fair share of housing challenging growing up. I developed deep passion for real estate and it was easy to start my real estate company. With the advancement in technology, we plugged IT innovation and developed the VinoFacility software which is very instrumental to eliminating circumvention in the real estate business. We advanced this technology by building a wallet system for our consultants – VEGAHS Landbank, a smart wallet to safe keep your money away from the commercial bank apps that are prone to attack. The rest of the businesses came with the growth of our ecosystem, servicing the needs of our patrons.
The endsars riot was what really pushed me to get into partisan politics. Before then, I was a community builder and held the leadership of my resident community. It was an eye opener till date. Pursuing people oriented projects is what draws a leader closer to the people. I have found myself other political party and finally in Labour Party. Someone, once referred me to as a British politician, I asked why? Response was that politics is dirty and I want to play it clean. After working with me on few projects, He attested to the fact that politics should be with the interest of the people and not played selfishly, in other words “dirty”.
You are also into philanthropy. Was it part of the strategy to get into politics?
My dad was a lover of people and I tell you he shared to all from his available resources. I picked those qualities of kindness and generosity from him. I come from a family of givers, so philanthropy is a natural flow for me. It is important to note that politics is about distribution of resources to the society and in every sense means, serving humanity. I never knew I would be in active politics and now that I found myself here, it is not challenging because sharing the much I have is natural to me.
What is your message to the people of Imo State?
Ndi Imo, I know your pain, I feel your pain and I know they want us to continue living in fear and terror. This is the only way they can hold unto power but it is over. Our God has decided that our journey to the land of peace and prosperity is almost at hand, partnering with you and by your collective mandate, we shall have our beloved Imo back. I assure you all that Victory is here, Imo dignity is here and chinedu AMADI is your son, your brother and your husband. Imo Dignity would be regained. Long Live Imo state!
