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It was jubilation all the way for the leadership and members of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the party laid the foundation for its proposed office in Awka, the capital of Anambra State after unveiling an artist impression of the proposed project.
The proposed office building is a magnificent four-story complex that is designed to shore up the rising profile of the party as an ambitious political group that has been attracting prominent Nigerians to its fold since the appointment of Chief Willie Obiano, the Governor of Anambra State, as the new Board of Trustees Chairman and National Leader.
Earlier in the day, that party had held a largely successful Special National Convention at the Women Development Center where the appointment of Governor Obiano was unanimously ratified. Delegates to the Convention also unanimously accented to the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s candidate in the coming presidential elections.
The Delegates also agreed that the tenure of the present crop of its leadership should be elongated to 120 days, terminating in April 2015 in view of the clash of the Party’s National Convention with the general elections in February 2015. This followed the motion moved by Peter Ezeobi, a lawyer and seconded by Mohammed Yusuf, BOT member from Zamfara seeking for the extension through the Transitional arrangement adopted by the Party.
Accepting the mantle of leadership handed to him by the party, Governor Obiano thanked the party leadership and its teeming members for reposing so much confidence and assured them that his leadership would mark the beginning of great things that would happen to the party.
Said he; in choosing me to provide leadership for our great party, you have made a bold and courageous decision to move beyond the crossroads of doubt to a whole new era of hope.”
According to him, “Looking back into history, we are reminded that our forebears paid the most prize for the greater good of this country, championing the nationalist struggles that gave birth to political independence. Today, we begin the march to re-possess the front-row of the new struggle to remake Nigeria.”
The governor assured the delegates that his leadership would position the party on a prestigious pedestal pointing out that “time and time again, experience has shown that it takes only a few determined men and women to change the course of history. I am determined to provide the quality leadership that will galvanize this great party to assume the fullness of its height and set the tone for a new Nigeria. I count on your support to achieve this.”
Summing up the prevailing situation in APGA, Governor Obiano observed that the party had “gone through different stages in its life cycle. Happily, we have progressed through the dark periods of uncertainties and self-doubt into the sparkling rays of a bright new day. Today, our fundamentals are stronger and our chances are brighter. I must thank all faithful members of this movement who have evolved through moments of uncertainty to the days of hope. In an environment where loyalty is fluid, it is almost a labour of love to maintain fidelity to one political party.”
The governor also paid glowing tributes to its late leader, Chief Chuwkuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu for leaving an enduring legacy and former Governor Peter Obi whose contributions to the fortunes of the party he described as “immense”.
The event was heavily attended by party stalwarts including the Nigerian Ambassador to Spain, Chief Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, Dr. Nkem Okeke, Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Hon. Oseloka Obaze, SSG, Chief Emeka Ojukwu junior, former Deputy Governor, Chief Emeka Sibeudu, Senator Alphonsus Ubanesse Igbeke, Retired Captain Iheanacho, Chief Agbo, Dr. Alex Otti, Chief Dubem Obaze, Anambra South Senatorial District candidate, Chief Augustine Ndigwe, BOT member, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka and Chief Willy Ezeugwu.
