By Toby Chuks, Awka – NIGERIA
In a critical moment for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Zeribe Ezeanuna, a prominent chieftain of the party, has urged the elders of Anambra State to convene an Imeobi meeting to address the ongoing leadership crisis plaguing the party. Ezeanuna’s call comes despite a recent Supreme Court judgment which he believes has not yet fully resolved the internal conflicts within APGA.
Speaking to journalists shortly after submitting his Expression of Interest Form for the Chairmanship seat of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Ezeanuna emphasized the critical need for elder intervention. He argued that the elders are uniquely positioned to guide the party and its members towards a resolution, particularly given the public discord and alleged missteps of some key figures.
Ezeanuna criticized Sly Ezeokenwa, who he claims is erroneously positioning himself as a leader in defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling that recognized Edozie Njoku as the legitimate National Chairman of APGA. According to Ezeanuna, Ezeokenwa’s actions not only mislead party members but also tarnish the party’s public image.
“The elders need to step in urgently to advise the Governor to align with the Supreme Court’s judgment and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) interpretation of the ruling,” Ezeanuna said. He underscored that the resolution of this issue is imperative for the credibility and future of APGA.
Reflecting on the party’s origins, Ezeanuna lamented that APGA was initially formed to give Ndi Igbo a strong political voice and a pathway to national influence. However, he argued that the party has been undermined by internal power struggles, which have diverted its vision from serving the broader interests of the Igbo people to satisfying personal ambitions of a few.
Ezeanuna voiced strong support for Chief Edozie Njoku, believing that Njoku is committed to restoring the party’s foundational vision and charting a new course for the Igbo people. He urged Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to recognize Njoku’s leadership, warning against futile efforts to build a new political structure that may ultimately prove ineffective.
“While the resolution process is underway, it is imperative for both factions to collaborate on a unified list of candidates for the upcoming September 2024 Local Government Area elections in Anambra State,” Ezeanuna recommended. He praised Governor Soludo for his performance and urged that nothing should impede his bid for a second term, highlighting the governor’s respected position and significant contributions to the state.
Ezeanuna’s remarks highlight the urgent need for resolution within APGA and the importance of maintaining focus on the party’s foundational goals amid internal conflicts. The call for elder intervention and a united front for upcoming elections reflects a broader desire for stability and progress within the party and the state’s political landscape.
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