*From Don Umunna, Abuja*
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressive Congress, APC in the South East, met in Abuja yesterday where all members of the National Executive of the party from the zone were uniamoulsy re- elected for another term.
Top chieftains of the party who attended the meeting include Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, Minister of State for Education, Prof Anthony Anwuka, all members of the National Assembly of the party from the zone. Other party leaders present include former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu, Senator Ifeanyi Arararume among others.
Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu said after the meeting, “We had a very successful and fruitful meeting and have decided to endorse by affirmation from all the states, the return, through democratic means, of the three members of the national officers.”
They include the National Organizing Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, the National Vice Chairman, Emma Eneukwu and the National Auditor, Chief George Moghalu.
“We have told him that they are our candidates and we did it through democratic arrangements. Few people might be very unsatisfied but in democracy, the majority about 93 per cent of the stakeholders in the hall endorsed the arrangement,”
In his reaction at the meeting, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said “In this meeting, all those who have held important positions in politics, from the South East were in attendance – former speaker, House of Representatives; former Senate President and former governors, members of the leadership of the party.
“Though the governor of Imo state cannot make it but the Imo State Speaker House of Assembly is here. So, as you can see, you can see distinguished Senator Jim Nwobodo, and we have former Gov. Martins Elechi, Senator Araraume here.
“We are all working together to continue to lift the country as one Nigeria and there will be a massive improvement for the region and the country at large. We commend those who have come here to make the zone greater.”
Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha was absent just as members of Imo State House of Assembly who reportedly sought to be part of the meeting were denied entry. Only the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt Hon Acho Ihim who represented the gained entrance into the meeting.It could not be verified as at press time if he attended the meeting in his personal capacity or represented the Governor of Imo State.
