Commentary: Chief Victor Ike-Oye – A Prolific Leader Of Our Time

WRITTEN BY HON. LEO NWUBA

Retinues of endorsement have continued to pour in from across Nigeria for the indomitable National Chairman of the third largest political party in the country, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ozonkpu Dr. Victor Ike-Oye. First, it was members of APGA in the three geo-political zones in the Northern part of Nigeria endorsing Chief Oye for a second term in office in the May 31 National Convention of the party.

Later, APGA faithful in the South West, South-South and South East followed suit. And now, almost all the zones, blocs, local governments, wards and organizations within and outside Anambra are yearning for the return of the great leader. Few days ago, the entire APGA faithful in Orumba North and South as well as the entire people of Old Awka Forum, comprising Awka North and South Local Government Areas, in their various rallies, endorsed the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Dr. Victor Ike Oye for a second term in office, in solidarity for his spectacular achievements in the last four years.

In fact, apart from endorsing him, an organization known as ‘APGA YOUTH FOR VICTOR OYE’ bankrolled the cost of the purchase form for the return ticket of Ozonkpu because of his ability to rebrand APGA and for making the party a moving force.

In most of the endorsements, APGA faithful across the country expressed joy that the tenacity, courage, benevolence and pragmatic leadership style of Dr. Oye has earned APGA greater glory, spread and acceptance such that Nigerians now consider it to be greater party. They said that they took the decision to enable Dr. Oye consolidate on the progress APGA has recorded so far under his leadership.

No doubt, a good leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Under Ozonkpu Ike-oye, APGA won more national and states House of Assembly elections across the federation in the just concluded elections. In Anambra, apart from APGA retaining the governorship of the state in a famous but unprecedented 21/21 for Governor Willie Obiano, APGA equally garnered 80% of the state Assembly seats.

Today, APGA government is controlling Gwagwalada Area council in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, some federal and state constituencies in Benue, Nassarawa, Zamfara, Imo, Abia and Kaduna States. APGA has witnessed democratic principles encouraged by a united National Working Committee in the past four years. Due to his prudent management of resources, the APGA National Chairman has raised enormous fund for the party to the tune of about #1.3 billion naira, thereby making it less financial dependent.

The Bible, in Proverbs chapter 22, verse 29 says: “Show me a man who is diligent in his work, he will stand in the presence of kings and not in the presence of unknown men”. Chief Victor Ike-Oye has distinguished himself in proving to be diligent, honest and dedicated. Like our Lord Jesus Christ, he demonstrates rare leadership quality in his display of calmness and love to all. Upon all these, they are erroneously and maliciously vilifying him.

The APGA National Chairman has proved on many occasions that he is determined and focused in bringing out the best in whatever task that is given to him. He has excelled in all the major assignments committed to his hands. Chief Dr Victor Ike-Oye is a dogged fighter and a quintessential leader with a Midas prowess to excel. Failure is not in his dictionary.

Since his emergence as APGA National Chairman, Ike-Oye has been a leading voice on issues affecting Ndigbo. He has proved on many occasions that he is a leader to be reckoned with in defending his party members, kinsmen and Nigerians.

Chief Ike-Oye has served in various public service and party leadership. Ozonkpu served under former Governor Jim Nwobodo of old Anambra state for four years and former Governor Orji Uzo Kalu of Abia state for eight years as Special Adviser on Special Duties. He is a genus that had chaired many Companies successfully. Ike-Oye has paid his dues in his community too, having touched many lives through several philanthropic gestures and community services. Victor Ike-Oye is a detribalized Nigerian and well educated. He is a first class brain. Ozonkpu obtained Master’s degree in communications and doctoral fellow in communications from Oxford University.  He is a seasoned journalist and a distinguished APGA National Chairman who has shined like a million stars in a very short time. Good people are rare, nice people are scarce, people like Victor Ike Oye are usually sort after. APGA is very safe and better under his watch.