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APC Crisis Deepens As Guber Elections Draw Near …Imo Members Seek Oshiomhole’s Resignation
As the countdown to the March 9 governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls near fever pitch, with barely five days to election day, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State have called for the resignation of the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, over the suspension of the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, just as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani has also kicked against his suspension by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party, last week.
The development has worsened the already precarious situation for the APC across the country, deepening crisis and in-fighting continue to destabilise the party, thereby exposing the deep seated faulty foundation of internal democracy in APC.
In Imo, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress condemned the suspension of Governor Rochas Okorocha by the National Working Committee (NWC0.
The party’s Chairman in the state, Daniel Nwafor, while addressing a press conference in Owerri, the state capital, last Saturday, said the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole disregarded the rule of law in the suspension of Governor Rochas Okorocha.
According to Nwafor, the party’s state chapter would not honour the ‘purported suspension’ of Okorocha from the APC, adding that the former governor of Edo State had outlived his usefulness in the party.
Nwafor further noted that the party’s record in the state showed that the governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma was not a registered member of the APC in his ward in the Oru East Local Government Area of the state.
He stressed that it had no governorship candidate in the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial election.
He said, “I was with the APC chairman from Ogboko ward where the governor hails from. There was no letter from the NWC to him to query the governor for any offence.
“The truth is that Oshiomhole is a man who has no respect for rule of law. He has penchant for disobeying valid court judgments and orders.
“We demand his immediate resignation from the APC. Adams Oshiomhole has outlived his usefulness in the APC.
“As a party we will not honour that purported suspension. It is null and void,” the people said.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Usani, also reacted to his suspension by the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It would be recalled that, last Friday, the NWC suspended the Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for anti-party activities.
Also suspended by the APC NWC over anti-party activities were the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani and the Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mr. Osita Okechukwu.
But addressing reporters in Calabar, yesterday, Usani, through the Director General of his Governorship Campaign Organization, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, said he has not received any notification from APC regarding any form of suspension.
Usani described the suspension as a ‘joke’, adding that he has been a staunch supporter and loyal member of APC.
He stressed that suspension does not exist if procedures are not taken in line with the party’s constitution.
Usani said: “The constitution of the party is clear on cases of suspension: it clearly sites circumstances and outlines procedures to be taken to warrant and effect a suspension.
“If any suspension exists, Usani’s attention should be drawn to it. If such circumstances do not exist nor procedures taken in line with the party’s extant laws, then a suspension, invariably does not exist.
“The mark of loyalty to the party is the ability of the individuals to adequately represent the party and practice its ideals at all levels of society and helping it to victory in the midst of other contending forces that compete with the party’s interests.
“The loyalty of Pastor Usani to the cause of the APC has made him the symbol of the party in Cross River State and a repository of trust to all true party faithful.
“Usani has shown sufficient loyalty to the party by helping the party poll 722 against the PDP’s two votes in his polling unit and over 3, 000 for the APC versus 423 for PDP in his Abanakpai council ward in the just concluded Presidential elections.
“Usani is the only APC leader in the state to produce his Federal Constituency representative in last Saturday’s general election. These and more define his loyalty to the party.
“To accuse such a man of anti-party activities and claim to suspend him from the party he helped to build is a joke taken too far, and unacceptable.
“To use our party to settle personal and domestic scores is unacceptable, and the perpetrators must be called to order,” he said.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol