…says Works Minister remains Soul of Party in the State
By Olawale Lamina
Former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze has called for caution in the handling of internal party concerns, stressing that resorting to blame game, name-calling and unsubstantiated allegations is utterly unnecessary and could breed deeper acrimony and chaos.
Reacting to a press statement titled “Ebonyi APC slams Umahi,” credited to the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Arum Kenechukwu, where the Minister of Works was accused of making remarks capable of breeding distrust and internal party wrangling, Eze reacted by noting that Dave Umahi has done no wrong in bringing to the public his opinion on the subject which he described as statement of fact, noting that he read the press statement from the party with misgiving and wondered what warranted such outburst on a fellow who is the soul of the party in the State.
Eze said though he is no longer in the ruling APC and given his position as a respected Elder from the State, he cannot stand aloof and allow the person and personality of Senator David Nweze Umahi whose impact he described as “building the modern state of Ebonyi” to be disparaged by a party he sacrificed so much in installing.
Eze quoted the controversial statement credited to the APC Assistant Publicity Secretary thus: “However, Ebonyi APC expresses deep concern and strong disapproval of aspects of the Minister’s remarks which, if left unchecked, could destabilize the unity and discipline painstakingly built within the party. It is both surprising and unacceptable that statements credited to a leader of such stature appear to contradict the very structure and cohesion he helped establish.”
The party noted that the publication titled “UMAHI RESTATES SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT TINUBU, NWIFURU, URGES CONSENSUS OR DIRECT PRIMARIES FOR PARTY UNITY IN EBONYI” contains suggestions that could be interpreted as encouraging aspirants to sidestep the authority of the Governor, who remains the recognized leader of the APC in Ebonyi State. Such a position, the party insists, is not only inappropriate but also capable of igniting disunity and internal crisis.
Ebonyi APC also stressed that urging aspirants to procure nomination forms or pursue political ambitions without the knowledge and endorsement of the Governor amounts to a direct affront to party discipline and an invitation to chaos. It warns that any such guidance undermines established leadership.”
On the other hand, Eze quoted the Minister of Works as stressing the importance of internal democracy and peaceful engagement among party members, encouraging the governor to lead a process that prioritizes consensus where possible.
“Dialogue and negotiation should be adopted by the governor as to possibly reach consensus among all aspirants, and where consensus is not reached, then direct primaries must take place,” Umahi added.
Eze noted that by his remarks , the Minister of Works made it clear that his political loyalty remains firmly with both the President and the Governor and not on any individual.
“I have no interest in any aspirant other than my support for governor and president. Consensus is only among aspirants supervised by the leader of the party, the governor,” the Chieftain also quoted Umahi as saying.
Eze also referenced that fact that Umahi emphasized the need for unity by agreeing that the strength of the APC lies in its collective effort and shared sacrifices over the years.
Eze said: “This position is to keep the party we have suffered to build together and ensure that we are united to make big votes for all our candidates, especially the President and Governor. No one person can do this alone. We need one another,” Umahi concluded.”
The former APC chieftain noted that, having gone through the statement from the Minister, he wonders where and how the Minister erred in advocating for internal democracy within the party to warrant such an attack from the APC in Ebonyi State
Describing Umahi as a foresighted political leader, Eze highlighted that the National leadership of APC have affirmed his position by adopting Direct Primaries Nationwide, ruling out consensus candidates for all her aspirants
Eze equally quoted APC as stating, “In a formal notification to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and party members nationwide, the APC leadership made it clear that there will be no room for consensus candidacy, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and internal democracy.”
Eze seized the opportunity to appeal to Governor Nwifuru not only to call the leadership of APC to order but also caution them to cease from any indulgence that abuses or insults the person of Senator David Nwaze Umahi, warning that such an attack may not be tolerated anymore.
Eze concluded by maintaining that Senator Umahi doesn’t deserve any insult or abuse from Ebonyi state chapter of the ruling APC or anybody for that matter, and not even by people the minister nurtured into political power and relevance, no matter the odds
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