It was a massive outpouring of goodwill as eminent Nigerians, opposition leaders, civil society activists convey their goodwill and warm felicitations to the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as he turned 38 today.
The Opposition Coalition Secretariat confirmed to our correspondent that it has received endless streams of goodwill messages, felicitations, commendations and solidarity messages from several eminent Nigerians, opposition leaders in the country and democrats across Africa, celebrating their Spokesman.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo,Former Vice President and opposition leader, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Sierra Leone an Opposition Leader, Former Vice President and Presidential Candidate Alhaji Sam Sumana, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, PDP National Chairman Uche Secondus, Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Former Vice Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi, Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, Governor of Enugu state Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Former Governor of Imo State Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ebonyi State Deputy Governor Eric Kelechi Igwe, Former APC Deputy Spokesperson and respected Activist, Timi Frank, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, among others eulogized Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, variously describing him as a courageous champion of democracy.
In separate messages, eminent Nigerian leaders and politicians extolled Ikenga Ugochinyere’s ideals and commitment to the greatest good of Nigeria, driven by a good and accountable Democratic governance.
They described Ikenga as a great asset to the country; a courageous leader and a relentless defender of democracy and rule of law.
The founder of Action Peoples Party (APP), one of the 18 registered political parties in the country, was also commended for his human rights activism and his contributions in political and governance reforms advocacy.
The opposition leaders said, ”Ikenga’s track record from the outset evidenced his unflagging passion for the democratic struggle. At a young age he has proven that youths can make an enduring impact in the society.
“From his days as a Student leader and President of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), he always spoke up for the youths and the voiceless, he had always strived to use every leadership position available to him to speak up for the citizens.
“As the Spokesperson of Opposition Coalition CUPP, he has severally put his life on the line to fight for a desirable democratic culture in Nigeria. He has kept the ruling government on its toes, through his several media advisories and engagements, mass protests and citizens advocacy.
”He has, within a few years distinguished himself as an unblemished mouthpiece for the Opposition Coalition in Nigeria”.
”His fight for the masses clearly did not go down well with the Executive arm of government, which led to his facing intimidation, persecution and harassments in the hand of President Muhammadu Buhari led government. However, it is quite admirable that regardless of the adversities, with several people doing everything to weaken his resolve, consistency and commitment to the struggle to defend our democracy that is facing so many challenges, Ugochinyere has remained resilient and still has an uncompromising stance while facing the so many attacks”.
Chieftains of the Opposition particularly Atiku Abubakar, Uche Secondus,Peter Obi, Gov.Wike, Aminu Tambuwal, Kwankwaso, Ihedioha in their separate messages praised Ikenga for the courageous work he has done for the opposition and while passing a confidence vote on him as a strong and dependable Opposition Voice, urged the entire Opposition family to continue to give him support till 2023 when the opposition will score a major victory.
For Obasanjo, “He is a fighter that has given us hope
”As you celebrate your 38th birthday, we pray that God will continue to give you divine health, wisdom, grace and courage to continue the good work for a better society.”
“As the National Chairman of Action Peoples Party and Spokesperson of the Nigeria Opposition Coalition CUPP, you have held the flag of young people flying high and shown that Nigeran youths can take up high positions of responsibility and leadership” Obasanjo personally wrote in his letter.
Atiku: Ikenga is worthy of Emulation
Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in his congratulatory message to Ugochinyere which he also personally signed, described Ikenga’s consistency in the democratic struggle as worthy of emulation.
Atiku said, ”It gives me great pleasure to join your family, friends and numerous well-wishers to felicitate with you as you celebrate your 38th birthday on 3rd August 2020. I wish to appreciate your steadfast commitment to the struggle for a better democratic governance and accountability in Nigeria even at great personal risk. The passion you have brought into your engagements and the consistency and unwavering devotion that you have demonstrated in the struggle to defend our democracy is worthy of emulation, especially by the youths. Thank you for your commitment to a better Nigeria.”
”On behalf of my family. I pray that the Almighty God will give you the grace and courage to continue to add to the towering accomplishments that you have already accumulated over such a relatively short period of life. May your sun never dim.”
Nigerian Opposition Family is proud of you – Ebonyi State’s Deputy Governor
Also, the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Eric Kelechi Igwe, in his message said, ”I wish to most sincerely rejoice with a worthy son, friend and colleague, Barr. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, Spokesperson of the Nigeria Opposition Coalition (CUPP) / National Chairman of Action Peoples Party APP on the occasion of his 38th birthday anniversary.”
”Ikenga, as you clock 38, I wish to salute your courage at insisting that politics is played according to democratic ethos and principles in Nigeria. Through your resolve and commitment, leaders entrusted with the mandate of the people have remained transparent and accountable.’:
”As a political activist, Igbos and indeed entire Nigerians will continue to celebrate your consistency at restoring political stability especially now the country is confronted with a lot of political tribulations which has become a threat to the peace and unity of Nigeria. May the Almighty God continue to give you the grace, wisdom and courage to strengthen our democracy as I encourage Nigerian youths to emulate your patriotic spirit in the interest of our country. Once again, I wish you a happy birthday.”
Ikenga, a rising national asset- CACOBAG
Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, CACOBAG, through its convener, Comrade Alhaji Raheem Toyin, has said “Ikenga remains an exemplary shining light for his generation and a great example of what consistency in opposition should be”.
As messages and advertorials continue to pour in, felicitating with the opposition spokesman, the Editorial Board and Management of Crimefacts.news join the rest of Nigerian to wish Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere a resounding 38th birthday celebration.