The Ward Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday, 5th April, 2014 in Rivers State has been rescheduled till Monday (April 7) in keeping with directives from the Party’s National Secretariat in Abuja.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Ward Congress was put off till Monday to enable us adhere strictly to the congress programme sent by Abuja. Today is stakeholders day and for the collection of forms. Tomorrow is for the return of forms and screening of candidates. Monday is congress proper for the election of party officers at the ward level. This postponement is not restricted to Rivers State but is national,” Rivers State APC Interim Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
He said the clarification had become necessary in a bid to reassure party members and all Nigerians in view of the rumours being spread by mischievous politicians in Rivers PDP who are trying to create the impression that the congress could not hold because of some imaginary problems in the State APC.
“To the contrary, all is well with our great party and every necessary arrangement has been put in place to ensure a successful Ward Congress,” Dr. Ikanya said.
He disclosed that the party leadership is looking into issues by some members of the Legacy group of APC Rivers regarding arrangements for the congress even though the Harmonised Team spent days to ensure that everyone was carried along in the efforts to ensure a free and fair congress.
“As a matter of fact, the State APC Leader, Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, is currently meeting with the Legacy members to address whatever their problems are once and for all. I wish to assure the good people of Rivers State that as the party that will form the next Government, we are doing everything humanly to ensure that only quality candidates are elected into the party’s Ward EXCO,” the State Interim Chairman stated.
Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and former National Spokesman of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) , Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, escaped death by the whiskers when the tyre of his Jeep suddenly burst, causing the vehicle to somersault three times, ending up in the bush.
The accident happened on Saturday, April 05, 2014, along Ishiagu express road as Chief Eze, presently a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, was travelling from his base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to see his family in his village in Ebonyi State.
“I would have been dead if not for God’s mercy and protection,” Chief Eze told NF-Reports today. “The incident happened on the highway and by the time my driver and I knew what was happening, the Jeep was somersaulting in the bush – three times according to an eyewitness. How we came out unhurt is still a mystery,” he added.
The popular media consultant explained that he started feeling dizzy and pains in his neck later in the day, following which he was rushed to a nearby hospital at Enugu for medical attention.
“The doctor directed that I be X-rayed to know if I have fractured my neck but I am responding to treatment,” Chief Eze said, adding: “Please tell Nigerians to help me thank Baba God for demonstrating His powers once again in my life.”
It is important to note that the accident happened two days to a scheduled event in Port Harcourt at which Chief Eze is to be honoured by the Rivers State branch of the apex Igbo group, Ohanaeze.
Informing him of the decision to honour him, Chief (Barr.) Obinna Johnkennedy Chukwu, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Rivers State, said in a message: “Chief Eze, at our executive meeting of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo held on Wednesday and yesterday we resolved to give you a Certificate of Commendation on Sunday 6/04/14, for being a worthy ambassador of Ndi Igbo in Rivers State and for your dogged effort at championing Igbo and Non-indigene’s cause. Congratulations!”
The honouree, who is yet to be discharged from the hospital, has nominated an ally to represent him and receive the award on his behalf.
