Hon. Engr. Chijioke Stanislaus Okereke.
Hon. Chijioke Stanislaus Okereke, who represented Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly for only four months, in this interview with newsmen states that the journey for a better society is neither easy nor quick, and calls for perseverance. However, he urged the citizens to always demand for accountability and transparency from their leaders.
He described the return of Chijioke Edeoga, the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Enugu state, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as not entirely unexpected, stating that himself has also been wooed by both PDP and All Progressives Congress .
When asked of his political aspiration in 2027, Hon.Okereke, who is popularly known as CSO, said that at his current age of 44, he is wiser and more politically refined with a network of partnerships.
Maurice Okafor was there for The AUTHORITY.
Excerpts……
What is your April message to the good People of Greater Awgu (Aninri, Awgu, Oji-River Federal Constituency), friends, and followers?
Thank you, gentlemen, of the press, for this rare opportunity to talk with you. As we step into April, I urge our people to remain resilient. The challenges we face as a constituency, state, and nation are real, but so is our resolve to overcome them.
The journey towards a better society is neither easy nor quick because progress does not happen overnight. Thus, the path to a better society is paved with perseverance, unity, and an unrelenting commitment to good governance. Now, more than ever, we must hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency, and actively participate in shaping the future we desire.
The vision of a Greater Awgu is not an illusion—it is an achievable goal. A future where our youths have opportunities, our economy flourishes, and our communities enjoy security and prosperity is within reach. We must continue to champion the PEOPLE FIRST agenda, ensuring that governance is truly reflective of the people’s needs and aspirations. Together, we will make this dream a reality.
What is your take on Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga’s return to the PDP?
Hon. Barr. Chijioke Edeoga is an elder statesman and a seasoned political figure with whom I partnered in the past to challenge the long-standing one-party dominance in Enugu State. Our collective effort was to challenge the entrenched one-party system that impoverished the people and establish a responsive and accountable government that prioritizes the people.
His return to the PDP is not entirely unexpected. He had, on multiple occasions, hinted at such a move and consulted various stakeholders before making his decision. Ultimately, the choice remains his, and I fully respect his right to chart his own political course. As he embarks on this new phase, I wish him the very best.
Do you Plan to Join the PDP too?
This is the first time I am publicly addressing this issue in 2025. The truth is, I have been wooed not only by the PDP but also by the APC, both during and after my prolonged legal battle to protect the people’s mandate that I held in trust. My response has remained an unequivocal NO.
I came to power through the overwhelming votes of our people, and their feedback has been clear: they rejected other platforms not because the Labour Party is perfect, but because they trusted my team to address their agelong burdens and aspirations.
Political realignments happen, and I recognize the pressures that come with them. However, the ideological differences between parties and persons are significant, and I will not trade my commitment to the people for personal gain. If there ever arises a need to reconsider my political alignment, it will not be my decision alone it will be revolutionary, on-demand and people-driven.
We cannot rebuild our communities by speaking through one voice, it is a recipe for total collapse. This is the principle that guided many of us, including His Excellency Mr Peter Obi, my leader: Dr John Okechukwu Nwokeabia, and numerous other stakeholders who also joined the Labour Party in 2022. Even today, my stance remains unchanged. My focus is clear: ensuring that those entrusted with leadership positions—whether by hook or crook—are held accountable for delivering on their responsibilities to our people.
Do you intend to Decamp from the Labour Party?
I have never entertained such an idea, nor have I engaged in any consultations regarding it. Every suggestion of defection has been firmly rejected at my discretion. I have turned down enticements, privileges, and promises because my loyalty lies with the people who gave me their mandate without intimidation, vote-buying, or other form of inducement.
On a lighter note, which “home” do I return to? I came into politics as a technocrat with no political history, godfatherism, or political safe haven. My allegiance is solely to the people who believed in the CSO project, fought for it, and won at the polls. This is their project, not mine alone. My commitment remains unshaken—to the ideals of service, accountability, integrity, and the collective aspirations of our people.
May we know your Political aspirations in 2027
(Laughs) why is it that nobody asks about the aspirations of our people, their ambitions, the promises made to the grassroots and how much of those promises have been fulfilled?
Yes, I shared a bold and well-documented ambition with our people some years ago, and many still mourn what they consider a miscarriage of justice—including opposition figures and even key players in the misfortune. However, I have always publicly wished my successor well and have remained dedicated to working for the progress of our people in my capacity as a private citizen.
That said, I cannot outrightly dismiss this question. In 2022, I initially considered running for the Senate, but after extensive consultations, I opted for the House of Representatives. My mission was clear: to ensure that the voices and needs of our people were well represented at the National Assembly.
However, while we diligently followed the blueprint, the people feel that their choice and their hard-fought victory were cut short against their will, and what happens next is in their hands. Years later, we are both alive to witness their mood and determination which are clear for all to see. So, instead of answering this question myself, I suggest you go back home and interview a handful.
Please note that no matter how great my ambition is, I cannot force it on our people, and this is the difference.
What Makes You ‘Thick’ at 44. Again, What is your message to Your Supporters?
We entered the National Assembly at 42, and even before then, I consistently told young people that leadership was possible for them and together, we proved it. I vividly recall a conversation with my daughter when I turned 41. I told her, “We are the leaders of tomorrow.” She looked at me and asked, “Daddy, when is tomorrow?” A year later, at 42, I showed her that tomorrow can be today if we are willing to take action. That lesson remains relevant to every young person dreaming of leadership.
At 44, I am older, wiser, and more politically refined. My network of partnerships has expanded beyond our constituency and state to national and international levels. I am deeply honoured by the trust our people have placed in me. While I have had the privilege of serving at the highest levels in the private sector, nothing compares to the honour of serving our people. I am deeply grateful to our people for this honour. I want our people to note, that amidst this turbulence, I remain Engr. Chijioke Stanislaus Okereke CSO — the young, visionary, and servant-leader they voted for.
To my friends and political allies, I express my heartfelt gratitude for your unflinching support and solidarity. Regardless of the country’s current economic and political climate, let us continue to work together to impact our communities positively.
Thank you, and may God bless Greater Awgu!
