Igbo man will become Lagos Speaker soonest – says ethnic chieftain

A chieftain of Igbo social cultural group, Ndigbo United, High Chief Ejikeme Okeke, has declared that an Igbo man will soon become the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Okeke made this declaration at the weekend at a forum organised by the group to formally welcome and give their support to a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Jude Idimogu, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

The high chief, who was the chairman of the occasion, called on the Ndigbo in the state to support Idimogu for second, third and fourth term as Igbo man will, very soon become the Speaker of the Lagos Assembly.

Ndigbo United at the forum specially organised to endorse the action of Hon. Idimogu who dumped the PDP, the party under which he contested and won the 2015 election into the Lagos State House of Assembly for the ruling APC.

The meeting, which held at Igbo Unity House in Ejigbo, Lagos, had in attendance cross section of Igbo leaders and rulers.

The traditional prime minister of Eze-Ndigbo in Isolo, Chief Ugochiniyere Asianya, set the ball rolling when he called on Idimogu to inform the leadership and the entire N’digbo United reasons for his decision to move to the ruling party from the PDP.

Asianya, who announced the endorsement and support of the group to Idimogu’s action said the step was a wise decision for the protection of Igbos in Lagos.

“Go out and say it loud that we are in support of your defection, we will follow you everywhere you go.

“Tell the leadership of the House of Assembly that the Igbo nation in Lagos support your action, we give 100 percent support to the ruling party.”

Asianya who patted Idimogu on the back said the lawmaker has all it takes to go far, as he has demonstrated high level of humility in the office so far.

Another Igbo leader and the Eze Oshodi\Isolo, Chief Ikem Agbasi had said: “I am pleased with the way the lawmaker has conducted himself so far.

“We will support you anywhere you go, we are fully behind you,” the Igbo leader assured Idimogu.

Also speaking at the forum, the APC publicity secretary in the state, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, welcomed Idimogu to the ruling party and called on all Ndigbo in Lagos to support and be loyal to the ruling party.

He went further to challenge the Ndigbo to change their strategy in politics and remain united, this way, according to him, they would be able to protect the interest of the Igbo nation in Lagos.

“We have developed this country together, we have investments everywhere, we are not going to leave them for anybody.

“There is no permanent friend or enemy in politics, our people need to change strategy, Igbo people should work with APC. I want to speak to all of us to sit down and play better politics,” the APC mouthpiece stated.

Dr. Ken Modi Ken, member of APC BoT who expressed satisfaction with Idimogu’s defection to APC, said the decision was right for the Igbo vision.

“I am happy that you have joined the ruling party, we need to protect the Igbo investment in Lagos, the economy of Lagos is in our hands. APC will not disappoint you all,” Ken assured.

Hon. Jude Idimogu while addressing the gathering earlier, disclosed that he joined the ruling party to protect the interest of his Igbo brothers and sisters in Lagos and not for any selfish agenda.

“As the only Igbo member in the Lagos Assembly, l am supposed to be a voice for the Igbos in Lagos but it’s difficult for me as a member of opposition party, PDP. Four years will soon be over, and many of you will ask me directly or indirectly what are my achievements. I want to achieve, I don’t want to be a failure,” he explained.