In a heartfelt call for unity and understanding, the newly appointed Political Adviser to the Governor of Imo State, Chief Perry Opara, has urged the people of the state to embrace patience and tolerance as the political atmosphere begins to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections and the 2028 governorship transition.
Chief Opara made this passionate appeal during a colourful reception ceremony held in his honour at Rockview Hotel, Owerri, the capital city of Imo State. The event attracted dignitaries from across the state, including traditional rulers, political leaders, elders, grassroots influencers and loyal supporters.
In his keynote address titled “Be Patient, Be Tolerant”, Chief Opara emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among Imo citizens regardless of political affiliations or personal interests. He declared his commitment to stabilising the political climate in the state while ensuring that the developmental legacy of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, is protected and sustained.
“I have been honoured to serve as an adviser in different capacities. This is my fourth time, and I feel privileged that His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, has once again found me worthy to serve. Imo State has witnessed remarkable transformation under his leadership. There is now relative peace, greater security, and verifiable infrastructural development in all zones of the state,” Opara stated.
He announced the launch of a Grassroots Interactive Forum aimed at promoting participatory governance across the 305 INCE ward of the state. According to him, the forum will serve as a bridge between the government and the people, deepening community involvement in decision-making, and ensuring that governance is felt and understood at the grassroots level.
The new forum will encourage traditional rulers, town unions, women groups, youth organisations, market women and men, and political stakeholders to dialogue frequently on key issues affecting them. It is about collective responsibility and peaceful political progression,” he added.
In his goodwill message, Prince Lemmy Akakeme, the Deputy Chairman of the Imo State Elders Council, described Chief Perry Opara as “a round peg in a round hole,” thanking Governor Uzodimma for making a wise choice at a strategic time. “This appointment is to lighten the burden of politics in Imo State. Perry’s experience and maturity will help calm nerves ahead of next election, he remarked.
The royal father of the day, His Royal Highness Eze JD Nwaturuocha, traditional ruler of Umuanuma Nguru, Ezinihitte Mbaise, commended Chief Opara’s humility and called on Imo sons and daughters to support his mission of peaceful politics and constructive engagement.
Similarly, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibututu Isiguzo, hailed Chief Opara as “a silent achiever with a proven track record of results.” He described him as a patient man and a solution-oriented leader. “At a time when the state is gradually preparing for a smooth handover of power, the governor couldn’t have made a better choice. Chief Opara is strategic and will never be confused in turbulent times. He is a man for the moment,” Isiguzo said.
Speaking on behalf of the Friends of Perry International, their leader, Ijele Chimezie Odemewam, said their celebration of Chief Opara’s appointment was rooted in his political antecedents and long-standing commitment to equity, diplomacy, and progressive governance.
The reception ended with prayers for the continued progress of Imo State and a renewed commitment by all present to promote peaceful dialogue, support good governance, and reject political violence and misinformation.
The high point of the occasion, was the voice vote to endorse the forum for the interaction between the government and the people.
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