My IPOB turbulent moments under Ikpeazu — Apollos, Ex-gov’s spokesman

Enyinnaya Apollos, the former Chief Press Secretary to the immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has shared his experience transitioning from journalism to a public servant and his turbulent moments during his tenure in office.

Apollos’ journey to becoming a journalist began when he abandoned his training as an automobile mechanic to sell newspapers.

His passion for journalism led him to study Mass Communication at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State.

While in school, he worked for campus publications, which fueled his interest in becoming a journalist.

After completing his education, Apollos joined the Nigerian Compass Newspaper in Lagos, and later transferred to Abuja as a National Assembly correspondent.

His work as a journalist opened doors for him, and he eventually joined the Nigerian Union Newspaper, where he met mentors who encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

In 2013, Apollos was invited by Hon. Uzo Azubuike to join his team in his gubernatorial aspiration for the 2015 election.

When Azubuike withdrew from the race, he asked Apollos to support Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who later became the governor of Abia State.

Apollos’ role as the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ikpeazu was a challenging one, as he faced opposition from colleagues and political hangers-on who saw his position as an opportunity to gain financial favors.

He also had to navigate the turbulent times of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) protests and Operation Python Dance, where managing information and fake news was a challenging task.

Despite the challenges, Apollos remained close to Governor Ikpeazu and had unrestricted access to him, which helped him navigate the political landscape.

He also shared a story about a senior friend who planted spies around his office to monitor him, but was later exposed by one of the spies.

In 2023, Apollos contested to represent his people as a lawmaker but faced challenges with the electoral process and decided to walk away from the race.

Overall, Enyinnaya Apollos’ journey from a newspaper vendor to a public servant is a story of determination and perseverance.

His experience as a journalist and Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ikpeazu has given him a unique perspective on the challenges of public service and the importance of navigating the political landscape with integrity and resilience.