Umeh’s successor won’t come from Anambra –Ukwa

BY OUR REPORTER ON FEBRUARY 22, 2014 · NATIONAL
From PETRUS OBI, Enugu
As members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, braces up for their national convention which will enthrone a new leadership to replace the Victor Umeh executive, a BOT member and one of the founding fathers of the party Chief Onwuka Ukwa has dismissed reports that Anambra State was planning to hijack the new executive.

Ukwa who briefed newsmen in Enugu yesterday said there was no truth in a report making the rounds that there is a grand plan to make another candidate from Anambra replace the outgoing chairman and that the position of Deputy National Chairman-South has also been zoned to Anambra State.

The former Deputy National Chairman-South of APGA said; 'I am happy you called it a rumour. Anambra people are my great in-laws, great and reasonable people. Although the government there is APGA, party members from other states worked very hard to sustain the party and towards the victory of APGA government in Anambra State.

'Having produced the National Leader, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Governor and the current National Chairman, to add another position to Anambra State slot will amount to insensitive political greed and arrogance. APGA is a national political party and not a community organization. I have the distinct privilege and honour of being one of the founding fathers of APGA, so, I can confidently state that we registered All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) as a national political party. Strategic critical national positions must reflect that.

Ukwa who initiated the peace process that reconciled Chief Victor Umeh and Governor Peter Obi in the build up to the recently concluded Anambra guber elections said the effort was a committee work, 'so, do not ascribe the credit to me alone. However I will hasten to add that among the aspirants we processed Chief Willie Obiano towered among all and his outstanding resume gave him an insurmountable lead. Anambra State is lucky to have him.'