From Fred Itua, Abuja
Eminent Nigerians, opposition leaders, and civil society activists have hailed Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate and the spokesman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), as he turned 40 today.
The opposition coalition secretariat said has received many goodwill messages, congratulations, commendations, and solidarity messages from several eminent Nigerians, opposition leaders in the country, and democrats across Africa, celebrating its spokesman.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo; PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; Sierra Leone’s opposition leader and former vice president, Sam Sumana; Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; among others, eulogised him and described him as a courageous champion of democracy.
One of the opposition leaders said: “Ikenga’s track record from the onset evidenced his unflagging passion for the democratic struggle. At a young age, he has proven that youths can make an enduring impact on society.
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“From his days as a Student leader and President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), he always spoke up for the youths and the voiceless, and 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 citizen advocacy.
“He has, within a few years, distinguished himself as an unblemished mouthpiece for the Opposition Coalition in Nigeria.”
Ugochinyere passion for politics and good governance has remained resilient. This was seen in his landslide victory, defeating a serving house of reps member to clinch the PDP’s House of Representatives Ticket for the Ideato Federal Constituency.”
For Obasanjo, “he is a fighter that has given us hope. As you celebrate your 40th 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 Spokesperson of the Nigeria Opposition Coalition CUPP and the PDP candidate for the House of Representatives Ideato Federal Constituency, you have held the flag of young people flying high and shown that Nigeran youths can take up high positions of responsibility and leadership.”