By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
Outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Barr. Ben Nwoye, said that he is proud to hand over a united APC in the State.
Nwoye, in his appreciation speech today, stated this during the party’s state congress which took place at Michael Okpara Square, Independence Layout, Enugu.
He stated that all the splinter groups within the party have been united to one big indivisible broom, noting that those who joined APC from the formerly ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were not treated as outsiders, but were rather integrated and given their rightful positions.
According to him, “Today is not just another political gathering. Today, we are completing a journey. A journey that began with uncertainty, but is ending in unity. A journey that started with responsibility placed upon our shoulders through the formation of the Caretaker Committee — and is now culminating in the election of substantive state executives of our great party.
“When the Caretaker Committee was constituted, the task before us was clear but demanding: reconcile differences, rebuild trust, harmonise interests, and reposition our party for victory. There were splinter groups. There were grievances. There were tendencies pulling in different directions. But we understood that the survival and growth of the APC in Enugu State required sacrifice, patience, and inclusive leadership.
“Today, I can proudly say that we are handing over a united APC.
“All the splinter groups within the party have been united to one big indivisible broom. Those who joined us from the PDP were not treated as outsiders; they were integrated and given their rightful positions. We chose inclusion over exclusion, dialogue over division, and unity over personal ambition.
“This unity did not happen by accident.
It would not have been possible without our hardworking, pragmatic, peace-loving and purpose-driven governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah — the rock on which APC stands very solid in Enugu today. His guidance, wisdom and steady leadership made the entire process seamless. He provided the direction, the support and the enabling environment that allowed this reconciliation and rebuilding process to succeed. Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful.
“I must also specially appreciate the Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Innovation, Prince Lawrence Ezeh. Thank you for donating the vehicles that the committee used in carrying out this all-important assignment. Your benevolence and commitment to the growth of our party cannot and will not be forgotten by the APC family in Enugu State.
“To the seventeen Local Government Chairmen, I say a very big thank you. The e-registration exercise in Enugu State recorded tremendous success because of your unwavering support. You mobilised our people in every nook and cranny of the state. You stood firmly behind the exercise and ensured its success. We are grateful.
“To the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr. Victor Udeh, and the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, thank you for your invaluable support throughout our short but eventful tenure. Your cooperation and assistance strengthened our resolve and made our task easier.
“Distinguished delegates, today we are concluding a pyramid. From the wards to the local governments to the districts, over 6,000 executives have emerged through a structured and orderly process. What we are doing here today is simply completing the tip of that pyramid — the final layer that crowns months of hard work and coordination.
“To all members of the APC in Enugu State, I say congratulations. Today, we stand on a united and progressive platform — a platform that is poised to sweep all elections in this state. A platform that will ensure the re-election of our President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; our dear Governor, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah; and secure victory in all other elective positions across the state.
“As I bow out today as Chairman of the Caretaker Committee, I must specially thank the members of the committee who worked tirelessly with me. Your commitment, passion and dedication to the growth of our great party will continue to speak for you long after today.
“To those who are elected into office today, I say congratulations. The responsibility before you is great, but so is the opportunity. With our dynamic governor providing leadership and direction, I am confident that you will raise the flag of the APC even higher in Enugu State.
“Let us remain united. Let us remain focused. Let us remember that victory is only possible where unity thrives. Thank you all for your support, your patience and your belief in this process.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Barrister Nwoye.
