Romanus Ugwu, Abuja
Stakeholders of the South East Executive Committee, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) rose from several hours meeting, and endorsed the return of three national officers from the zone.
Addressing newsmen after the well-attended meeting in Abuja, yesterday, former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, said the endorsement came from 93 per cent of stakeholders in attendance.
“We had a very successful fruitful meeting and have decided to endorse, by affirmation, and through democratic means, by all the states, the return of three national officers,” Kalu said.
Speaking further, he pointed out that the three officers are “the National Organising Secretary, the Deputy National Chairman and the National Auditor.
“We gave equally secured the support of the National Convention Committee chairman, who is also the governor of Jigawa State.
“We have told him that they are our candidates and we did it through democratic arrangements. Few people might be unsatisfied but, in democracy, the majority, about 93 per cent of stakeholders in the hall, endorsed the arrangement,” Kalu insisted.
On how the stakeholders would reconcile aggrieved members, the former Abia governor said: “Certainly, not everybody will agree.
“I remember when I contested for governor, not everybody voted for me. But, I told you that over 93 per cent of the stakeholders endorsed the arrangement to retain the national officers.”
He equally spoke on the crisis rocking the party in the South East.
“There must be misunderstanding in every setting but, I am assuring you is that they will all be resolved.”
Also, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, promised that they will continue to work together with other geopolitical zones.
“At this meeting, all those who have held important positions in politics from the South East were in attendance; former speakers, House of Representatives members; former Senate President and former governors, members of the leadership of the party. Although the governor of Imo State could not make it, Speaker of the House of Assembly was here. So, as you can see, you can see distinguished senator Jim Nwobodo, and we had former governor Martin Elechi, Senator Araraume here.”
In attendance were the APC National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime, former governor of Ebonyi State, Martins Elechi, former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, senators Hope Uzodinma, Ben Uwajimogu and Andy Uba.
Others at the meeting also included Minister of Labour and Productivity, senator Chris Ngige, senator Uche Ekwnuife, senator Nkechi Nwogu, APC National Auditor, Chief Gerge Moghalu, Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, APC National Vice Chairman (South East), Emma Enukwu, Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwuka, Speakers and former speakers from Houses of Assembly, NEC members.