Seven All Progressive Grand Alliance Party stakeholders vying for the position of the Chairman in Anambra have engaged in a debate with promises of their mandate if elected.
News Echo reports that the debate was organised by the Anambra Independent Media Support Group and held at the Meloch hotels, Awka during the weekend with the Theme “Anambra APGA Chairmanship Debate”.
In A welcome speech address by the Director General, Dr Harris Chuma Odili, he said the exalted position of state Party Chairman, Anambra chapter is a reality that Anambra is the spiritual, social, economic and political home of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA. “It is therefore expedient to assume that this office is one that exudes great influence”.
“That is why we, as members of the Anambra Independent Media Support Group, AIMSG, have decided to hold this interactive session, this TOWNHALL MEETING, which is aimed at giving the aspirants a more coordinated platform to share their visions and aspirations for APGA and Anambra people with our audience, which includes the media personalities physically present in this hall this evening, as well as numerous others who have registered and are joining in through our online platforms as we stream our activities today”.
He noted that the debate was not an English-speaking contest but a forum to share ideas that will not only uplift the party but the people of Anambra in general.
According to Dr Dr Harris Chuma Odili, “the task before APGA as a party is quite huge, and it requires a methodical personality to harness the potential within the party to move it forward. Times are changing, and political awareness is deepening on daily basis, so much that the youths are beginning to take active interest in the politics of the state and the nation in general; so be conscious of the fact that you are going to be dealing with a new population of youths who will hold you accountable when you emerge as the chosen one, and when there are missteps on your part, be sure that they will do everything that is legally right to get back at you”.
Speaking during the debate Chief Anthony Nchekwube (Dunga), noted that Awka North where he hails from have been marginalised since inception of APGA in the state yet the communities have contributed major votes in the party’s winning.
He condemned violence within the part and called for unity as a way of building the strength of a political party while assuring of his competence, capacity and good will to lead the party to greater height if elected.
Also speaking, Hon Ebele Onyekwulu expressed disappointment over the low performance of the party in the last election. “Our last outcome in the just concluded election is not encouraging and I want to restructure our great party. As an experienced secretary in Dunukaofia LGA, I am qualified and beg you all to vote for me”.
On his part, Chief Ifeatu Obiokoye said “I am not in the race not for Idemili or Ogidi peope, I am running to improve the party, bring better perspective, bring better ways of empowering the people. I am bringing in my years of experience, it is on record. He added that he was aspiring to be chairman because of his experience and value he had.
For Hon Dr Obiadi Tochukwu, I was the Director General of APGA campaign team and I believe I have the capacity and pledged to lead the true mantra ‘Onye ayana nwanne ya’. My office will be open and will make an open door policy from the state to the grassroots.
Other candidates who participated at the debate were Comrade Uche Egbebike, Hon. Chike Odoji, Hon Ofoma Ojuah.
However, judges at the table were the vice Chairman NUJ Council, Southeast, Comr Emma Ifesinachi, veteran Okechukwu Maduforo of News Telegraph, MD National Light Newspaper, Sir Chuka Nnabuife and the convener, Dr Harry Chuma Odili.
