By Austin Ogwuda
THE Delta State Chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has probably turned into the drama series – ‘Fuji House of Commotion’, as two leaders Chief Francis Obigbor and Chief Paulinus Akpeki are each, still laying claim to be the acting Chairman of the Party despite an official letter from the State Chairman, Engr Omeni Sobotie that he has resumed office.
Following the emergence of the parallel Chairman which Paulinus Akpeki from Delta Central and Francis Obigbor from Delta North, the State Chairman, Engr. Sobotie who had been away on medical vacation communicated about his return and subsequent resumption of duties.
However the two factional Chairmen refused to heed but rather intensified the fight, each firing from all cylinders.
The latest development is that Chief Akpeki went ahead to receive the Report of the Olorogun O’Tega Emerhor-led Reconciliation Committee on behalf of the State Working Committee SWC, which Obigbor described as a clear usurpation of power and an attempt to cause confusion in the party.
Obigbor in a press statement on Tuesday which he signed and quoted his nomenclature as “Acting Chairman, Delta State APC”, made available by newsmen 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, 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 same before the National Chairman. His actions are a clear usurpation of power and a deliberate attempt to cause confusion within the party.
“We urge the National Chairman and the National Working Committee (NWC) to discountenance 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.
Signed: Chief Francis Obigbor, Esq.
Acting Chairman, Delta State APC
