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High Chief Charles Babatunde Ezekwem (Ikemba Okigwe) The Imo PDP State Chairman is a name that most people have come to associate with monumental feats. Congenitally, this Okigwe Son was born 12 months after a tough pregnancy to an iconic father High Chief Joe Ezekwem and mother, Lolo Patricia Ezekwem. Charlie as we fondly call him is really a destiny child and it seems that his entire life history has been shaped by such peculiar events. Nothing politically can be said about this rare Nigerian without retracing the events that led to the epoch of March 9th, 2019.
The all important journey to the Douglas house started having a good outlook in 2015 when Ikemba offered himself, before his Okigwe LGA chapter of the party, to serve as the next PDP State Chairman. This first step was crowned with unanimous acceptance by all. As is expected, Ikemba would also have to pass through the test of the other 5 LGAs accepting his aspiration. I remember vividly the day of his final anointing and the daunting challenges of a mock primary which stood before this young Icon. Twelve formidable Okigwe Aspirants also came out to seek the same office. The venue of this historic event was at the civic center of Senator Athan Achonu in Umunumo, Ehime MBANO LGA. A 12- man mock primary committee was set up to chose among the 12 aspirants and present a candidate to Owerri and Orlu zones. The atmosphere was charged with palpable anxiety but in the end, High Chief, Barr. Charles Babatunde Ezekwem beat the other 11 aspirants by taking 7 out of the 12 possible votes. This marked the beginning of our journey to the DOUGLAS HOUSE.
In his acceptance speech after the mock primary victory he said and I quote: ” My single ambition and ultimate goal is to take PDP back to the DOUGLAS HOUSE in 2019″.
It is true that the party was at the crossroads when Ikemba took over the reign. It is also a fact that the battle for supremacy between the Makarfi and Sharif factions took a heavy toll on the general morale of party faithfuls. The doggedness and resilience of this indefatigable Son of Okigwe was clearly buttressed by the loyalty and partnership he enjoyed with our leader Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, who remained steadfastly focused in making sure that the party survived the avalanche of court cases engineered and financed by the ruling APC government through Alh. Ahmodu Sharif. After the dust had cleared and settled, Ikemba saddled up and directed the party to stardom. His leadership style and administrative skills enabled the party to open all closed doors for everyone to return to the party.
In all, honour must be accorded whom honour is due. Barr Charles Babatunde Ezekwem is really an unsung hero. Since after the primaries and flag-off of the campaigns with our Leader, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Ikemba has been ubiquitous like a twin with our Governor-elect. The vibrant and energetic Ikemba spared no iota of his brilliance and sweat in admonishing all Imolites and Owerri Zone especially, to rally around and make history. This revolutionary efficacy was seen on every campaign ground where he passionately challenged the entire zone to rise up to the occasion in unison to deliver their son.
It is worthy of note that during the just concluded elections, Barr. Charles Babatunde Ezekwem showed why his maverick political philosophy remains among the most effective in our time. Fully aware that the Governorship can only be won through effective mobilization of the entire Owerri zone as one solid rock, he joined the quintessential flag bearer Rt. Hon. Ihedioha on every campaign and was unwavering in bringing passion to the heart of all citizens of owerri zone. As he spoke with pi passion and zeal, the veins in his neck became prominent as he delivered the resounding message to them.
In his Okigwe zone where matters were less favourable for PDP, his biggest strategy remained unmatched. He personally commanded the election from various of his Situation Rooms and physically engaged opposition in his Okigwe LGA, making sure that he stopped over voting and result sheet manipulations. He frustrated every move made by opponents to steal our collective mandate in both the Senatorial and National Assembly elections.
The State Chairman of PDP, Barr Charles Babatunde Ezekwem (Ikemba Okigwe) is a man. He has undoubtedly answered the question; “Who say Men no dey?” Men really dey.
