All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Anambra Central led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim on Monday 15th May, 2023 held a meeting with stakeholders at the International Convention Centre, Awka, the state capital.
ANN reports that the Deputy Governor who is the coordinator of the leaders, in his address, stated that the essence of the meeting was to be on same page and speak with one voice ahead of the congress because party comes first.
He pleaded for patience and understanding and called on them to accept the zoning formula which is in the interest of the party.
“APGA has a zonal formula which will be maintained for the sake of peace, transparency and unity. We have looked into the positions and consultations have been made widely. But the beauty of democracy is that anyone has the right to object and say no to certain decisions and then go to the polls and make their choice.”
The positions zoned to LGAs in Anambra Central are as follows: Chairman – Idemili North. Assistant youth leader – Awka North. Publicity Secretary- Dunukofia. Assistant empowerment and disability leader – Idemili-South. Assistant Publicity Secretary – Awka South. Assistant Financial Secratery – Idemili-South. State welfare Secretary – Awka South. Legal Adviser – Aniocha. Publicity Secretary – Awka North and Vice Chairman – Njikoka.
Majority Leader, Anambra State House of Assembly and member representing Njikoka 2 constituency, Rt. Hon. Pete Ibida while moving the motion accepting the zoning of various position to LGAs thanked Governor Soludo and his deputy Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim for their effort and style of governance.
Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo Hon. Chinedu Nwoye in a vote of thanks, thanked party faithfuls and Anambra Central stakeholders led by the deputy governor for their support. He encouraged all those who have declared interest in different positions to maintain the spirit of meekness.
Managing Director, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Hon. Mark Okoye in an interview said he was satisfied with the transperency and harmony in the party which was as a result of Governor Chukwuma Soludo governance style who he described as a man of due process.
“APGA is a party that hardly has issues. Governor Soludo is taking the powers back to the people at the grassroots. He always abides by the law and constitution of the party. The zoning of positions has brought clarity and equity and transparency to the process. We commend the leadership of the party,” he said.
Former adviser to the Governor on Political matters, Bar. Ifeatu Obiokoye told reporters that he was happy that the chairmanship was zoned to Idemili North; his LGA.
“I have indicated interest and picked up the form. I have done it before. In 2003 as the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), i delivered three senators, ten members of the house of reps and thirty state lawmakers. I believe we require a very mature politician with strong pedigree. We are happy that Governor Soludo is doing a very nice job in the state. For us in Idemili, we will go home and make sure we speak with one voice at the state congress”.
The Transition Committee Chairman, Aniocha LGA Hon. Ikechukwu Gerard Ozor in an interview stated that the gathering was more like a family affair. “We came for the welfare of the party and we are happy with the decision of the party. My expectation from the coming congress is high and am expecting it to be better than the previous ones,” he said.
Hon. Chiekwu Arthur Ifeanyi
Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Idemili North constituency at the state assembly, Hon. Chiekwu Arthur Ifeanyi in an interview with reporters expressed gratitude to the leaders of APGA for finding Idemili North fit to produce the next chairman of the party. “We are grateful to the governor and thankful to the leadership of the party,” the lawmaker said.
