By Chuks Uzochukwu
Politics is a game of interest and anyone who plays the game always wants to protect his or her interests over other things.
Today in Imo State, the major talk in town as far as politics is concerned is the forthcoming November 11th governorship election in the state.
As usual, election period generates alot of interest, tension and uncertainty. The discourse tends to dominate the airwaves and several gatherings.
All the key actors involve especially the candidates try in one way or the other to outplay each other in a bid to convince the electorate to embrace cum support them or their interest.
Political Parties, politicians and candidates explore the period to propagate gospels of interest, propaganda as well as display several political gimmicks.
It is an obvious that the incumbent governor of the state, Sen. Hope Uzodimma is a force in the coming poll. No doubt, he will explore all available avenues to retain his seat come November 11th.
He has also started plotting games that will enhance his reelection chance which includes the recent appointment of his field marshals for the election.
To also consolidate himself on the seat beyond January, 2024, Uzodimma has reactivated the sentiment of Charter of Equity in the political sphere of the state.
The idea, many believed, is to make Imo people especially from Owerri zone to jettison other sentiments and adopt him for continuation.
Even when many people are doubtful of the feasibility of the political 'unbinding' agreement in the state, Governor Uzodimma has given every impression that he will respect the political deal if sealed.
Hence, he has openly and secretly penetrated the Owerri zone, wooing the political chieftains and big lords therein to his camp, with great assurance that one of them will succeed him after 2027.
Among the Owerri top political game changers who Uzodimma succeeded to bring to join in his train included Chief Jerry Chukwueke. And to hold him tight to his interest, Uzodimma appointed him his Chief Technical Adviser on New Imo Project.
Ever since his absorption into the 3R mantra government in the state, the Owerri born astute politician, industrialist and technocrat has remained a visible personality in the course and has drum support from all angles for the Governor.
In recent time, Chief Jerry Chukwueke has said to every ear that care to listen that Uzodimma is the best choice on the ballot paper come November 11th.
He has also deepened his efforts by galvanising massive grassroot mobilisation and support for Uzodimma's second term agenda. Hence, the recent inauguration of his support group for Uzodimma named GroundGame for Hope (GGH).
Chief Chukwueke, a front line political juggernaut in Owerri Zone plans to use the support group to tour the entire 12 wards in Owerri North LGA to preach the gospel as contained in the book of Hope chapter 4 + 4 to the people.
For this his conscious commitment to Uzodimma's interest and also, for being practically conspicuous in all events Governor Uzodimma attend, there is growing speculation that there is more to it.
And for the fact that Governor Uzodimma has vowed to anoint and support an Owerri man to succeed him, Chief Jerry Chukwueke appears to be the most capable, credible and reliable man around him from Owerri Zone presently that fit the job.
No doubt, his political resume, leadership experience and competence make him stood out as one who can drive the Imo ship if given the opportunity.
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In a recent interview on ARISE Television, Chukwueke had spoken with immense passion and interest as a man who has been promised a big fish by Uzodimma.
He insisted that Governor Uzodinma has plans in place to continue his good works and also further advance them if granted a second term.
According to him, "Imo State has witnessed, in three-and-half years, “a deepening of good governance which speaks for itself”, adding that, "Governor Uzodinma has changed the trajectory of governance as Imo ranks fourth in the estimated GDP report with 7.68 trillion Naira especially with his eradication of ghost workers."
He said, “The governor has laid the foundation and the building blocks in the state and it is going on as we speak. Yes, only recently, 5000 Imo youths were graduated and equipped in the Imo Skill Up Program with computers and electronic gadgets brought into the global work force. They are earning money in companies like Zinox and Konga that recruit and many more are coming.
“For the youths, they have been empowered and trained in all areas. Our governor is a business man concerned in giving the youth a sense of belonging and creating wealth. This wealth has been created through empowerment through ICT and agriculture.”
Chief Chukwueke further highlighted that Uzodinma brought gender sensitivity with his choice of deputy governorship candidate being Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, a woman.
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Read brief profile of Chief Jerry Chukwueke
Chief Jerry Chukwueke is a philanthropist of humane and humble character, born to the Chukwueke’s family of Awaka in Owerri North LGA of Imo State on the 28th of January 1957.
Chief Jerry Chukwueke popularly known as Ohamadike Ndi Owerre is an industrialist of high repute; an accomplished entrepreneur, a renowned/practical politician and a businessman with fleets of businesses ascribed to his name.
Chief Jerry is the founder of Germaine Group, comprising of sectoral services including health and pharmaceuticals, property and investment ownership facilitation.
He is the Chairman/CEO Malvin Energy Services Nigeria Ltd, an Oil and Gas servicing/consulting company.
Jerry is the President/CEO Dominion Automotive Group and Dominion Ford/Mercury, Culpeper Virginia, USA. a dynamic Automobile Company with over 200 staff strength and annual turnover of over 60million US Dollars.
Jerry is the Chairman Malben Foreshore Development Ltd, dealing in Real Estate management. He is the Director of Food Concept International, (Owners of Chicken Republic.) He is the Director/CEO of Salus Trust Ltd, (A Health Maintenance Organisation.), The CEO of Veritas Travel Agency Ltd. etc.
Chief Jerry Chukwueke was educated at the then prestigious Our Ladies Primary School, Emekuku, Imo State, between 1969–1975.
He attended St. Francis College, Uturkpo, Benue State, Nigeria and thereafter, he went in for his undergraduate studies at the Morgan State University, Baltimore Maryland, where he obtained two degrees in 1984 : BSC in political science and BA in international relations.
Chief Jerry is honored in the business and political world with awards from institutions and corporate bodies.
To his people, there is non like Jerry; D philanthropist of our time. He is honored with a chieftaincy title, OHA MA DIKE NDI OWERRE by the entire autonomous communities in Owerri Federal Constituency made up of about 37 autonomous communities.
This honor they displayed in reciprocity of his love, dedication and commitment to the things of his people . He is a man at home with his people.
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Ever since he made his debut in the political sphere of Owerri zone, Chief Jerry Chukwueke has remained a household name in the politics of Imo state.
In the political arena, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is without doubt a political colossus. A man with so much experience and practical knowledge of the pains and gains of Imo politics. A man who has passed through the learning curve of Owerri zone, learning the ups and downs of Owerri zone politics, ie the politics of ”Okwu Owerri, Aga Ekwuya Ekwu".
Chief Jerry was the Owerri Zone People’s Democratic Party (PDP) consensus gubernatorial candidate for 2007, the chairman PDP Contact and Mobilization Committee 2013, which gave him the political name “Jerry D Great Mobilizer”.
In 2019 Chief Jerry Chukwueke became the Vice Presidential Candidate of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and later made the chairman APGA National Reconciliation Committee 2019.
On the family side, Chief Jerry Chukwueke is happy and happily married to Lolo Chinelo Chukwueke (Nee Okadigbo), a union that is blessed with wonderful children: Mrs Nicole Chikwe, daughter (nee Chukwueke), Mrs Megan Onyeukwu, daughter (nee Chukwueke), Mr. Ifeanyi Chukwueke (son) and others.
Chief Jerry Chukwueke is a full, loyal and committed member of The All Progressives Congress (APC). He aspired the senatorial position for Owerri zone in the last general election under APC.
Chief Jerry is ever ready to strengthen and consolidate every working relationship with the Governor, the government of Imo State and the Imo State House of Assembly, especially those of Owerri zone extraction.
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