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  • Akpeki lacks authority to submit report to NWC, says Delta APC

    Akpeki lacks authority to submit report to NWC, says Delta APC

    The Delta chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has distanced itself from the recent actions of Chief Paulinus Akpeki, the Vice Chairman for Delta Central Senatorial District on the purported submission of a reconciliation report to the party’s National Chairman.

    In a statement by Chief Francis Obigbor, Acting Chairman of the Delta APC, the party clarified that Chief Akpeki lacked the authority to receive or present the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led reconciliation committee’s report on behalf of the State Working Committee. Chief Obigbor described Akpeki’s actions as an overreach and intentional attempt to create confusion within the party.

    The Delta APC called on the party’s National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to disregard any report or representation by Chief Akpeki, emphasising that these actions were unauthorised.

    Chief Obigbor reassured party members and stakeholders, urging them to remain calm and focused, despite the distraction caused by this incident. He reaffirmed that he, as Acting Chairman, was awaiting the formal submission of the reconciliation report from the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor committee.

    Once the report is received, Chief Obigbor stated his intention to present it to the State Working Committee, the State Caucus, and the State Executive Committee for comprehensive deliberation and appropriate action.

    He also emphasized his commitment to serving as Acting Chairman until Elder Omeni Sobotie, the substantive chairman, resumes duties in person and presides over meetings held at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

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    The statement reads: “The attention of the Delta State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to an unauthorized presentation by Chief Paulinus Akpeki, the Vice Chairman of Delta Central Senatorial District, who purportedly received a report from the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led reconciliation committee on behalf of the State Working Committee of the Party.

    “We categorically state that Chief Akpeki has no authority to receive any report or present the same before the National Chairman. His actions are a clear usurpation of power and a deliberate attempt to confuse within the party.

    “We urge the National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to discount this report and any actions taken by Chief Akpeki.

    “To all our party faithful and stakeholders, we urge you to remain calm and not be distracted by this unauthorized action.

    “As the Acting Chairman of the Delta State APC, I continue to await the O’tega Emerhor committee’s report. Once received, I intend to present it before the State Working Committee, State Caucus, and State Executive Committee for rigorous debate and further action, if necessary.

    “I will continue to act as Chairman until Elder Omeni Sobotie returns and physically attends to preside over a meeting called to and held at the State Secretariat, Asaba.”

  • APC Delta Central chairmen reject Akpeki as acting state chairman

    APC Delta Central chairmen reject Akpeki as acting state chairman

    The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta Central Senatorial District has rejected the appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as the acting state chairman of the party in Delta State.

    The party chairmen from Delta Central stated this in a statement signed by Hon. Onoabedje Obakpororo, APC Chairman Ughelli/North chapter; Chairman of all chairmen, Delta Central Senatorial District, Comrade Wilfred Ileleji, Chairman Uvwie chapter; Chairmen’s secretary, Delta Central Senatorial District, Comrade David Rheriobore, Chairman, Udu LGA, Comrade Eric Afe, Chairman, Okpe LGA, Sir. Isaiah Kekeje, Chairman, Ughelli South LGA, Surveyor Friday Erubasa, Chairman, Sapele LGA, Chief Julius Ogboru
    Chairman, Ethiope East LGA, and Chief Efe Amughoro, Chairman of Ethiope West LGA, described the appointment as unconstitutional and a threat to party unity.

    The chairmen of the eight local government chapters in Delta Central argue that this appointment violates Article 14.2 of the APC Constitution. According to the article, the deputy state chairman should assume the role of state chairman in the event of a vacancy, not a senatorial vice chairman. They maintain that adherence to this established protocol is critical for ensuring party stability and maintaining democratic principles.

    The statement warns that the actions of the State Working Committee (SWC) in bypassing the deputy chairman not only undermine the party’s constitutional framework but also risk creating further divisions. “Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests,” the chairmen stated, emphasizing the need to foster unity within the party.

    The SWC’s decision has been characterized as politically motivated, serving hidden agendas rather than upholding democratic accountability. As a result, the chairmen have called for the immediate reversal of Chief Akpeki’s appointment to align with the APC Constitution.

    They assert that leadership decisions must reflect the values of due process and social justice to build trust among party members and ensure a cohesive political environment.

    This unified stance underscores the commitment of Delta Central APC leaders to preserving the party’s integrity and adhering to its foundational principles. Failure to address this issue, they warn, could lead to additional internal strife, jeopardizing the party’s prospects in the state.

    The statement read: “The recent appointment of Chief Paulinus Akpeki as acting state chairman of the APC in Delta State is a blatant violation of the party’s constitution. This development may lead to additional upheaval inside the party if nothing is done to stop the pranks and shenanigans.

    “We emphasize that this alignment is crucial for ensuring stability and social justice within the party. This collective stance reflects our commitment to upholding democratic principles and fostering an equitable political environment”.

    “According to Article 14.2, in the absence of the chairman, it is the deputy chairman who is meant to assume this role, not a senatorial vice chairman. This disregard for established protocols undermines the integrity of the party and threatens its unity.

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    “By bypassing the Deputy State Chairman, the State Working Committee (SWC) has set a dangerous precedent that could lead to further chaos within the party. Such actions reflect a disturbing trend of political recklessness that prioritizes personal ambitions over collective interests, eroding trust among party members.

    “The SWC’s decision not only contravenes the APC Constitution but also raises questions about the motives behind this manoeuvre. It appears to serve hidden agendas rather than uphold democratic principles and accountability within the party.

    “We urge the SWC to rescind this appointment immediately and adhere to the constitutional framework they pledged to uphold. The future of our party hinges on leadership that respects due process and fosters unity rather than division.”