Tunji Adedeji
A delegation of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) Imo State Chapter has accused the state governor, Rochas Okorocha of alleged plan to manipulate the will of members of the party during ward congresses of the party slated for Saturday.
The leader of the delegation, Chief Okey Ikoro while fielding questions from newsmen shortly after meeting with the Chief John -Oyegun – led National Working Committee at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja, said “We are trying to advise Gov. Okorocha to avoid any situation that will make members unable to elect people that will manage the affairs of their party. We want to move away from speculations and look at the real things on ground.
“We the stakeholders of the APC dissociate ourselves and the Imo State chapter of the APC from the ignoble policies and programmes of the Owelle Rochas Okorocha- led administration which are viewed as anti – people , unpopular and retrogressive . ”
He said the group have vowed to resist an alleged plan by the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, to manipulate Saturday’s ward congresses.
According to him, members of the forum are aware of plans by the governor to manipulate the congresses in order to install surrogates to do his bidding.
In response to a question on the alleged plans, a member of the forum and Senator representing Imo North in the National Assembly, Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, said members of the forum were prepared to resist the move.
Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu in his brief speech during the visit thanked National Working Committee members for the warm reception accorded the delegation from Imo State, and pleaded with the National Working Committee to act promptly to redeem the image of the party by handing back the party to the people. He expressed serious doubts about the Governors ability to deliver the state to APC in the forth-coming general elections when he is on a war footing with the creme de la creme of APC in Imo State who are determinedly opposed to his leadership style.
Speaking shortly, Sir .Jude Ejiogu said, “having served in various strategic positions in the Gov. Okorocha led administration, I am in a vintage position to tell you that what we have as a government in Imo State is nothing but a sham driven by greed and familiocracy. After reviewing his actions, we have decided to bring to your notice the actions of the governor that may mar our chances in subsequent elections if not properly checked. I implore you to give back our party to us”.
In his response, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, National Chairman of APC welcomed the delegation and commended their peaceful approach in resolving what looks like a crisis in the party.
“As a father, I and members of National Working Committee of our great party won’t sit and watch any chapter of the party being polarized by the action of an individual. Imo State is very strategic and important to the party as a gateway to the South East and we must ensure that the wish of majority prevails. Having listened to you, we will ensure that the points enumerated in your written resolution will be looked into promptly. I advise that as you go back home, you should remain peaceful in electing credible men and women that will reposition the party and take us to greater heights in the near future. Once again, I thank you for finding time to visit us; and as you go, we wish you journey mercies”.
