The crisis rocking the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia state, seems not to be over as the Nkem Okoro-led State Working Committee (SWC), of the party, backed by its governorship candidate in the last election, Alex Otti, has reclaimed the State party’s secretariat in Umuahia.
This was coming four days after the new leadership of the APGA, led by Hon. Nkem Okoro, was unveiled in the state.
The reclaiming of the secretariat by the leadership of the party followed a formal notification and application requesting for security protection, which was officially addressed to CP Etim Ene Okon, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State.
The letter dated 7th June, 2019, signed by the new APGA chairman, Hon. Nkem Okoro, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, on Saturday, reads: “We write to seek your protection against some impostors masquerading as APGA chieftains from taking over our property/secretariat paid and retained by our party through our Leader, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
“The said property/building as well as office equipment as provided by Dr. Alex Otti, OFR are located at No. 74 School Road, off Ikot-Ekpene Road, Umuahia”.
While addressing newsmen at the party’s secretariat after taking over the facility, Okoro described the present State Working Committee (SWC) and members of APGA in the state as law-abiding and responsible citizens, adding that his leadership diligently followed due process and legitimate procedure in reclaiming the office without breaching any law and order.
Also, the APGA chairman, in a maiden meeting with members of the SWC and 17 LGA chairmen of the party in the state, charged them to remain steadfast and committed even in the face of provocation from the ‘impostors and political merchants’ who earlier attempted to hijack the party.
He therefore, enjoined them to be law-abiding, responsive and loyal as every genuine effort was being made to reposition the party for greater political endeavour.
Speaking in a chat with DAILY POST on Saturday, the deputy National chairman, South, Engr. Uchenna Okogbuo, described the activities of Alex Otti/Okoro-led faction, as charade.
Okogbuo confirmed that Reverend Augustine Ehiemere-led SWC was the only authentic leadership of APGA and recognized by the National Working Committee (NWC) chaired by Ozonkpu Victor Oye.
He said, “It is a charade and childish. All will soon disappear like a mirage”.
