The All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, has appointed Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as its national leader and Chairman, Board of Trustees.
The National Executive Council of the party confirmed the appointment at its NEC meeting in Awka yesterday, following an earlier recommendation made by the National Working Committee of the party NWC during a meeting in Abuja. He replaces the late Dim Chukwuemeka Ojukwu, who formerly occupied the positions.
The Council members unanimously approved the appointment of Governor Obi as the National Leader of the Party and Chairman of its Board of Trustees following a motion moved by the Oyo State Chairman of the Party, Mr. Samson Olaniyi and seconded by the Bayelsa State Chairman, Mr. John Sokari.
The Council equally approved the appointment of a 30- member Board of Trustees selected from the six geo-political zones including, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs in Imo State, Mrs. Ann Dozie while appointment of Dr. Tim Menakaya was stood down following overwhelming objection from members of the Council.
The NEC members also passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the APGA and rejected the recent judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, as well as set up a committee to review the constitution of the Party while the NWC was mandated to fill existing vacancies.
The national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh used the opportunity to present the state governor- elect, Chief Willie Obiano and his deputy, Dr. Nkem Okeke to the Council, while Governor Obi and some leaders of the party were presented with Awards.
In his speech, Governor Obi said the struggle to reposition the party over the years was challenging but through sacrifice, doggedness and commitment the party continued to excel, commending those who stood firm and saw it through.
He noted that his appointment was a call to duty and time to work to further uplift the party, stressing the need for unity of purpose and putting the party interest above every other consideration.
Obi assured that he would continue to work to reconcile differences and bring every member into the fold to achieve more results.
The governor elect, Chief Obiano in his goodwill message thanked the council for their support during the governorship election and described the outcome of the election as victory APGA would replicate in other states by working as a family to tackle future challenges.
He called on others to join the APGA, to be part of the giant strides to elevate the state to a higher level.
The national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh attributed the political success of APGA to Governor Obi’s consistency, hard work and landmark achievements, which he noted has made the state a reference point in the country and explained that his appointment as the national leader was necessary to give him more responsibilities in the party.
Chief Umeh said APGA had become a force to reckon with in the country and would not be disturbed by antics of any form, urging the judiciary not to allow itself to be used to destabilize democracy.
He assured that the party was on strong footing to win more elections and would continue to work relentlessly to penetrate fresh frontiers and reinstated total support of APGA to the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Presenting an Award of Excellence to Governor Peter Obi on behalf of the party, the vice national chairman of the party, South West Alhaji Tai Sowumi described the governor as the most performing governor in the country whom he noted has raised the bar of leadership and redefined good governance in all facets.
He said the award was in recognition of his outstanding performance in governance and contributions to growth and success of APGA.
The son of the late national leader of APGA, Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Mr. Emeka Ojukwu, said Governor Obi was a worthy successor to his father.
Also speaking a member of the Board of Trustees, Chief Martin Agbaso said the party was building a formidable structure to reclaim Imo State in the next governorship election.
The meeting was attended by APGA State Chairmen of the 39 states and Abuja, more than seventy members of the Executive Committee members of the National Assembly, State Assemblies and Local Government Chairmen among others.
