He said quitting public service would not pose a hindrance to his benevolent disposition, saying he was already wealthy before becoming a Minister.
Ngige spoke in his Alor country home in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state during the distribution of over 5000 bags of rice, tubers of yams, and other palliatives to party members, the elderly, and persons with disabilities in the state.
Ngige said there was a sharp increase in the number of palliatives distributed at the occasion, as compared to previous years, following prevailing economic hardship among the citizenry.
He said, “We have to up the ante. Previously, were sharing about 2000 bags of rice, but this time we’re giving 5000. This is because more homes are in dire need of food occasioned by flood.
“We have three categories of persons here today, party members, persons living with disabilities, and old people drawn from across the 326 wards of the 21 local government areas of the state.
“We heard that people said since I’m no longer Minister, I won’t have the mind to perform the annual ritual. It’s not true. I was wealthier before I became a minister.
“If we’re to declare our assets publicly before and after we became minister people will know what I’m talking about. What I left in the private world before coming into government is bigger.
“I’ll start doing bigger things for you people now I’m going into private life and my foundation. What we’re sharing today is bigger than what we shared last year because of the level of poverty.”
Describing himself as the father and face of APC in the state, Ngige, former governor of the state expressed confidence in the party clinching victory in the 2025 governorship election
He however stressed that victory was not won on a platter of gold but with extra hard work, warning that the era of writing election results in hotel rooms was over.
He said, “Of course, there’s APC 1 and APC 2 in the state. I won’t deny that. I’m both the father and face of APC in Anambra. I know for certainty some newcomers have been joining us since 2021.
“Because the party is like a church which you don’t stop people from entering; you don’t stop people from entering the party to look for salvation or to support government in power.
“But the challenge is the segregation because the new entrants don’t want to reckon with old members who have labored for this party from the time we were in SDP, to ACD, to AC, to ACN, and finally birthed as APC.
“These are facts that are undeniable and palpable. But in politics, you disagree to agree, and if you don’t agree you bear the consequences. We didn’t agree in the 2021 election and the repercussions were clear.
“But it will be remedied this time. Party leadership both at the governmental level and party levels are mature politicians who are well-versed in the intrigues.
“They’re not those running around in Abuja but people at the grassroots. If you run around with them, you risk getting 3000 to 5000 votes in a national or governorship election which doesn’t call for cheers.
“Why won’t I be optimistic? If you’re not optimistic in life, then suicide is the next option. I’m hopeful that between now and 2025, we’ll put our house in order.
“We need to be steadfast. If you call yourself APC 1 or 2 it’s up to you. But if you’re APC 1, you live up to expectations of being a foundation member and demonstrate tolerance to others by showing them the light.
“For me, I’m still on sabbatical and resting. By next year May when I would have rested for one year, I’ll decide on my next line of action.”
