BY:EVELYN UNACHUKWU
Fireworks have continued in the Imo State chapter of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, after an Owerri High Court declared Mr. John Iwuala as the authentic Chairman of the party.
The Iwuala faction which were in acting capacity, had been entangled in a battle of supremacy for the soul of the party with another faction led by Henry Okafor, who is perceived to be loyal to Senator Ifeanyi Araraume, the party’s 2019 governorship candidate
But the courts gave Iwuala the needed cutting edge last week affirming him as the authentic chairman of the party of the state chapter of APGA.
But despite the court ruling, the Okafor camp said it has suspended the Iwuala led party exco.
Newspaper reports quoted Mr. Okafor to have said he is yet to receive any bailiffs or court order certifying the out gone caretaker chairman as authentic chairman of the party.
The Court recognised Iwuala led Exco, in reaction accused Mr.Okafor of disobeying the Court Order by forcefully entering the party’s headquarters.
In his reaction sent to this newspaper, the APGA State Caretaker Committee chairman, Iwuala stated that the action of Mr. Okafor and Eberendu violated the ruling of the court and was capable of causing breakdown of law and order, should his group challenge their action.
He said he had deposited copious reports to the police and other security agencies prior to the action, saying no amount of provocation will make him resort to brigandage or acts likely to cause injury or harm on any member of the party irrespective of the side anyone belongs.
He assured that he was going to use every legal means to address the action of Okafor and Eberendu by going back to the court to report their intransigence and disobedience to the ruling.
He pleaded with his members to remain calm and to avoid any act of confrontation which according to him is the desire of Okafor and his group.
Iwuala insisted that every party at one time or the other bursts into such situations, saying that that of APGA is not strange as it is a sign of vibrancy and strength.
Also speaking on the issue, a chieftain of APGA and State Woman leader, Hon. Chief Mrs. Maria Mbanuzuo (Mama Uwa), decried the action of Henry Okafor and Eberendu, describing it as an affront to constituted authority. She wondered what they want to achieve by showing disregard to the court ruling. The former local government chairman of Ideato South enthused that the right action available for Okafor is to appeal the ruling of the court rather than resort to moves targeted at further tarnishing the image of APGA.
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