Abia State Chapter of All Progressives Congress ( APC ) held its first caucus meeting of the year on Sunday at Obingwa local government area of Abia.
The meeting which was well attended by all members of the caucus was hosted by the premier APC gubernatorial candidate in Abia state and Executive Commissioner of Pencom, Dr Nyerere Anyim and Chaired by the Abia North Senator and Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
The closed door caucus meeting kicked off at 12 PM and lasted for three hours before proceeding to the expanded caucus which lasted for another two hours.
Among the 22 man caucus members present were Honourable Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Dr Uche Ogah; Deputy Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Nkeiru Onyejeocha; Spokesman of House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu; former Managing Director of defunct Diamond Bank, Dr Alex Otti, State Chairman of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa; Senator Chris Adighijie; Senator Nkechi Nwaogu; Barrister Emeka Atuma; Dr Chidia Maduekwe; Dr Madukwe Ukaegbu; Chief Chekwas Okorie; Hon. Acho Obioma; Rt Hon. Arua Arunsi.
Speaking at the expanded caucus, Kalu hailed the party for consistent growth and appealed to the members to eschew hatred and focus on unity and love.
He said the party is getting stronger by the day, explaining that party disagreements should not be unexpected as it shows that the party has a lot in Stock for members to gain from.
“However, I want to appeal that despite our disagreements we must allow democracy and transparency to prevail in all our activities. Though I am the Chairman of the caucus,transparency has always been my watch word, you don’t have to quarrel with me over your ambition.” He said.
Further Speaking, he said; “Anyone is free to contest for whichever position, If you feel you are capable to contest go to your wards and mobilise your people, don’t expect me to sit down somewhere and endorse anyone.
“It’s time contestants put a stop to all manners of blackmail, gossips and quarreling. Election is not a do or die affair, people should stop publishing all sorts of rubbish online, that will not help anyone to win election.
“As at today the APC in Abia has candidates that can win any election in this state, but it would also be unfair for a person to decide to contest for an election when he or she knows he cannot win, that will spoil the chances of the party because the only reason a party contests election is to win.
“I would never allow anyone take this party for granted, the fact is primaries must be conducted. If you believe that you are strong go to your various wards and work, this party will not zone it’s tickets. The business of election is about the people, no candidate will any election by gossiping and spreading slander against anyone.
“We should encourage our members to show love to one another, you should all be trustees of the dream of this party, let me reinstate that the party is not owned by anybody or group, this party belongs to all.
“The truth is we the current elected members at the National and State Assemblies are bearing the burden of members of our party, but when we win this state the responsibility would be shared by all.
In his address, the state chairman of the party, Donatus Nwakpa, said the party have made arrangements to provide additional registration materials various wards to address the challenges of shortage of material for the ongoing registration and revalidation of party membership.
He said, “Our registration officers in all the entire wards should desist from disallowing or discriminating any new or existing member from joining or renewing his or her membership.
“Furthermore let me state categorically that our party is not zoning it’s party ticket, leaders must go to their various localities and work hard. The party leadership will also assist zones that are weak.
“The challenges the party is experiencing has also been addressed, more materials will be provided but mutilation and multiple cancellation should be reduced to its barest minimum.
“Our goal in Abia APC is to emerge the highest in the entire Southeast this is because our party leaders occupy various principal leadership positions both at the National and State Assemblies including the Federal executive level so we cannot afford to fail in this task.
“I urge us all to work together in harmony, leaders and even the members should eschew from bickering and quarreling.” He said
