…Three Associates Suspended Already
The Imo State Working Committee of All Progressives Congress has petitioned National Working Committee, urging the party to take appropriate disciplinary measures against Governor Rochas Okorocha over various anti-party activities.
The petition, which was contained in a release signed by State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Nwabueze Oguchienti reads: “Pursuant to Article 21D (11) of the APC constitution, the State Working Committee has made appropriate recommendations to the National Working Committee of our great party to take adequate disciplinary measures against the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Anayo Ethelbert Okorocha for engaging in various anti-party activities, which could lead to breakdown of law and order in the State.”
The Party also stressed that it has noticed with concern, the illegality that is being perpetrated by some elements in the party after successful congresses in the state, alleging that some elements, whom it described as impersonators, led by one Mr. Chris Ogoma recently appointed by Governor Okorocha as Acting Chairman of the party, have been defrauding members of the party, particularly aspirants jostling to contest the proposed local government area elections by collecting various sums of money for forms for elective positions.
The party frowns at the development, saying that only the constituted executive of the party led by the State Chairman of the Party, Dr. Hillary Eke is legally permitted to handle such.
It warned aspirants to desist from dealing with the said impersonators, as the Party cannot be held liable for any losses incurred from such fraudulent transactions.
The statement added: “These elements who are now impersonating the office of the state chairman and other officers of our great party have been defrauding our members particularly aspirants to the proposed Local Government Area elections.
“The State Working Committee, after an elaborate meeting resolved as follows:
“That all aspirants to the proposed Local Government elections are advised in their own interest to deal only with the Dr. Hillary Ekeh-led Executive committee, which is the duly elected and recognized Exco of our great party in the State. Any dealings with any other person (s) is a nullity and of no effect.
“It is our position that such persons do so at their own risks. The State Congresses have come and gone and officers at the various levels have emerged and it should be noted that only the political parties can sponsor candidates to an election.
“That all aspirants to the Local Government elections are further advised to pay for their party Nomination Forms directly to Imo State APC account, warning that no cash payment should be made to anybody.”
In a bid to restore sanity in the party, the State Working Committee at the said meeting also suspended the following for anti-party activities and impersonation: Mr. Chris Ogoma, Mr. G Asika and Mr. Obioma Ireagwu.
During an interactive session with newsmen, Okorocha complained over his losses at the just concluded APC congresses, attributing it to gang up against him by the people he claimed he helped.
He, however, indicated that there were no congresses in the State and would make sure they are overturned when the former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, is eventually elected as the National Chairman of the party.