At the centre of a political storm throughout last year, Governor Amaechi was involved in a bitter spat with former president Dr Goodluck Jonathan with ultimately led to him leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC). He became a close confidant of President Muhammadu Buhari, being the director of his presidential campaign and following the victory of the APC at the polls was appointed a minister.
During his senatorial screening, Governor Amaechi caused a stir as stiff opposition to his nomination by the PDP led to his confirmation being repeatedly delayed. He has was eventually conformed as a minister but his predecessor Governor Nyeson Wike of the PDP has set up a panel of enquiry to probe his activities while governor of Rivers State.
OYC secretary Mazi Okwu Nwabuike, said: "The former governor of Rivers State from the Ikwerre sub Igbo clan won the award after a stiff poll organised by the OYC. His actions before and during the 2015 presidential election has so much helped in deepening Nigeria’s democracy.
"We recall how he doggedly fought and retained his position as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, against all odds. Apart from that, as the director of President Buhari’s campaign team, he gallantly led the fight that led to the change in the country today and these no doubt, put him forward as a true Igbo son from the south-south."
Mazi Nwabuike added that the award will officially be conferred on Governor Amaechi on Saturday, January, 30 at Nike Lake Hotel, Enugu. Deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu emerged as the Outstanding Igbo Politician of the Year and will also be honoured at the event.
Other prominent Igbos that were also recognised by the OYC include Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State who was named as the Best Igbo Governor of the Year, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Igbo Legislator of the Year and Chief Ifeanyi Ubah, named the Igbo Entrepreneur of the Year.
Also, Leo Stan Ekeh, was named the Igbo Scientist of the Year, Professor Ben Nwabueze was named the Igbo Elder Statesman of the Year, while Professor May Nwoye was voted the Igbo Woman of the Year.
Others include Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, who was named the Igbo Minister of the Year, Chief Charles Okereke, the Igbo Journalist of the Year and Chief Innocent Chukwuma, named the Igbo Investor of the Year. Chief Arthur Eze, was voted the Igbo Philanthropist of the Year and Chief Maduka Onyishi, was named as the Igbo Transporter of the Year.
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