By CHINYERE Nnaemeka
A political structure that was established by Emeka Ihedioha in 2012, to ensure freedom, promote democratic ideals as well as encourage peace and prosperity in Imo State; Rebuild lmo Movement (RIM) has come out en mass to celebrate the 59th birthday of the former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona.
The event which took place on Friday at the State Secretariat of the movement at Port Harcourt road, Owerri, Imo State had many dignitaries present to take part in the celebration, as the new South East Vice Chairman of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Hon. Sir Bon Unachukwu led the cutting of the cake
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Oliver Enwerenem who described the celebrant as an energetic young man and one of the greatest leader God gave them, noted that he knew him as far back as 1999 when he was the lawmaker representing Oguta State Constituency, and that he had played a major role in political establishment in Nigeria from the grassroot.
“Rt. Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona has paid his dues as a one time Oguta LGA Councillors, National Assembly legislator, Deputy Governor of Imo State and so it is difficult for him to get it wrong in politics, because he was not a chanced politician or an opportunist.
“He knew the reason for leadership, which is that leadership is for the people; the grassroot dwellers, that is why am not surprise to see a good number of women at this event, because they represent the grassroot.
“He is a man properly groomed, and a loyalist to the call, and so we are elated to associate with his kind of person,’Enwerenem stated’
He further appreciated the organizers of the celebration who he said also did the same last year, adding that the celebration will continue until Irona comes back to his seat “that was taken away from them illegally, which will make Imo to be on the track again”.
Adding his voice, the Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, Dr Vin Udokwu, who was also celebrating his 68th birthday, described the celebrant as a humble, dedicated, loyal personality who is worth celebrating.
Throwing his weight behind him, noted, “I have faith that the Rebuild Imo Movement will take over the Governorship of Imo State by 2028, and I believe God will make it happen, to bring an end to bad economy where the people are basically dying of starvation,’ Udokwu averred’.
He therefore urged Imo people to be patient and follow African Democratic Congress, ADC as they are coming to give them the true change, which he said will see Nigeria through the hard times.
Giving the goodwill message on behalf of their Federal Constituencies were – Hon. Ken Akunnakwe for Ohaji Egbema, Oguta, And Oru West, Hon. Chief Ezeagwu – Orlu, Oru East, and Orsu, Hon. Ifeanyi Okwara (Ideato Nation), Mrs Dame Stella – Nkwerre, Isu, Nwangele and Njaba, Hon. Julius Onyenucheya for Owerri Zone, while the Anchor of the Programme, Nwokeke Emeka spoke for Okigwe Zone.
Other dignitaries present to mark the ceremony were, former Secretary of the PDP, and a Chieftain of the movement, Damian Ezeagwu, Hon Chief Ben Mere, Chief J.C Nwachukwu, Chief Richmond Osuji, Nze Law, Hon. Mrs Uju Nwejiagwa, Mrs Ruth Nsonwa, among others
Reading the Citation of the celebrant earlier was Barr. Nwudo Anyasinti who disclosed, ” Rt. Hon. Engr. Alphonsus Gerald Irona, Born on August 1, 1966, in the tranquil village of Umuoyata, Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, is a man whose journey from grassroots politics to the apex of executive governance reflects not just personal tenacity, but an unassailable fidelity to the ideals of public service, accountability, and people-centred leadership.
“His rise was never a tale of sudden elevation, but of layered growth, deliberate learning, and loyal service, each step marked by competence and character. He is a Chemical Engineer by training. He holds an Ordinary National Diploma in Chemical Engineering from the then College of Technology, now Federal Polytechnic Nekede, an HND from the Institute of Managernent and Technology (IMT), Enugu, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Imo State University, Owerri.
“Beyond Nigerian borders, he sharpened his leadership and fiscal acumen with a Postgraduate Certificate in Leadership from Oxford University and another in Budgeting and Budget Control from Raleigh University, North Carolina, USA.
“But as degrees alone do not make a leader. It was in the gritty trenches of local politics that Irona’s true mettle emerged. In 1996, he was elected Councillor for Oguta Ward A, serving two terms with distinction. By 1998, at a time many still groped in political infancy, he had become the youngest State Secretary of the All People’s Party (APP), which would later morph into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).
” In 1999, he earned a seat in the Imo State House of Assembly, representing Oguta State Constituency. As Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum, Environment, and Energy, he pioneered the first Memorandum of Understanding between oil companies and host communities in Imo State, a landmark that brought dignity and dialogue to previously exploited terrains like Oguta, Izombe, Etekuru, and Rumuekuneke.
“Recognized for his deep understanding of oil and gas dynamics, he was appointed to the Presidential Committee on Verification of Oil Wells in the Niger Delta, where he played a critical role in the restitution of ceded oil wells in Egbema and Oguta back to Imo State, an achievement both technically profound and politically strategic.
“In 2003, the people of Oguta LGA once again entrusted him with greater responsibility. First appointed as Chairman of the Transition Committee, and later elected, unopposed, as Executive Chairman, Irona dismantled entrenched bureaucracies and established a development-driven governance model. Under his leadership, Oguta witnessed sweeping improvements across sports, infrastructure, and civic participation, clinching unprecedented honours at the 2005 Imo State Sports Festival.
“His legislative star continued its ascent. From 2011 to 2015, he served as Member of the House of Representatives, representing the oil-rich Oguta/Ohaji-Egbema/Oru West Federal Constituency. There, he was appointed to the House Selection Committee, served as Deputy Chairman of the Gas Resources Committee, and contributed to pivotal national conversations in areas ranging from Power, Petroleum, NDDC, and Housing to Sports and Local Content. During the turbulent fuel subsidy probe, Irona stood as a rare pillar of integrity, gaining the admiration of both allies and adversaries.
“In December 2017, he was elected Deputy National Financial Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, by October 2018, he voluntarily resigned to embrace a higher calling; selected by Rt. Hon, Emeka Ihedioha as his running mate in the 2019 Imo gubernatorial election. The pair emerged victorious and were sworn in on May 29, 2019, in what man celebrated as a new dawn of technocratic governance in the state.
Although his tenure as Deputy Governor was curtailed after just seven months due to a controversial judicial decision, it was not without distinction. He brought to the office an ethos of discipline, humility, and intellectual depth, qualities that neither time nor turbulence could efface.
A devout Catholic, married to Ogbuefi Vivian N. Irona, and together, they have raised a family grounded in faith, resilience, and Civic responsibility.
” At 59, Rt. Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona remains a man both seasoned by experience and refreshed by ideals; a statesman not of noise, but of substance; not of ambition, but of impact.