Today, as party men and women across the state converge for our State Congress, I will cease to function as the State Publicity Secretary of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Imo State — a position that has entrusted me with the solemn duty of serving as the official voice of our great party. It has been a role of honour, responsibility, and unwavering commitment; one that allowed me to stand at the forefront of our collective political engagement and defend the ideals we hold dear.
Before my journey with the APP, I served in a similar capacity within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Imo State. Across these experiences, I have dedicated years to articulating party positions, shaping public discourse, and advancing the visions of the political platforms I have been privileged to represent. It has been a journey defined by loyalty, resilience, and an abiding belief in the power of organised political expression.
While I have the privilege to continue in that official capacity, a higher calling beckons — the voice of the people. Over time, that voice has grown louder in my heart, echoing the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of my people. It is a voice that demands not just representation, but strong, direct, bold, courageous, and unfiltered advocacy, free from the constraints of official party position.
It is this deep conviction that now compels my decision. I am persuaded that the moment has come for me to step beyond the confines of party spokesmanship and fully embrace the sacred responsibility of speaking for the people themselves — championing their collective yearnings and advancing their shared dreams for a better future.
Consequently, on the strength of this overriding necessity, I have voluntarily decided to step down from the office of State Publicity Secretary of our great party, the Action Peoples Party. This decision is not a departure from service to the party, but rather a transition into a broader and more people-centred form of engagement — one that seeks to amplify the true essence of democratic participation.
As a new leadership emerges today, I reaffirm my unalloyed commitment to the ideals and progress of the APP under the leadership of our principal, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, PhD. My resolve to contribute meaningfully to the growth of our party and the development of our state remains steadfast. This is not an end, but a new beginning — one rooted in purpose, driven by conviction, and dedicated to the enduring cause of the good people of Ngor Okpala.
I extend my profound gratitude to the leader of our party, Mazi Chima Matthew Amadi, for his confidence in me, as well as to other critical leaders of the party, my colleagues, and the teeming supporters who stood by me throughout my tenure. Your trust, encouragement, and shared sacrifices made the journey worthwhile. I do not take for granted the opportunity I had to serve, and I carry forward the lessons, relationships, and experiences into this next phase of my public life.
Moving forward, I remain resolute in my commitment to our shared aspirations, and I will continue to lend my voice, energy, and conviction to their pursuit and realisation. The path ahead may be different, but the mission remains the same — to stand with the people, for the people, and always in the interest of the greater good.
Oge Eruola Maka Odi Nma Ndi Ngor Okpala!
Cajetan Duke, JP