Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The Delta State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) has described as frivolous allegations of anti-party activities leveled against the Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu.
Chairman of the party in the state Jones Erue, who debunked the allegation in a statement, said Kachikwu remained a dedicated, loyal and committed party man, insisting that the minister is not involved in anti-party activities as reported by a section of the media.
Erue described the allegation as the handiwork of mischief makers who would stop at nothing to frustrate the party in the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship and state house of assembly elections.
He said that the party has confidence in the leadership of Dr. Kachikwu.
Erue stated that since the appointment into the APC-led Federal Government, Kachikwu had been making personal sacrifices for the growth of the party in Delta State, pointing to the minister’s financial contributions.
“Since his first appointment as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and his subsequent appointment as Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, though not our typical politician, has displayed enough political sagacity and proclivity that belies his usually genial persona, and has so far exhibited uncommon commitment with the singular purpose of positioning the party as a formidable force, capable of dislodging the PDP in the forthcoming gubernatorial and state assembly elections,” Erue said.
“There is no denying the fact that Dr Ibe Kachikwu has been a stabilising factor and a rallying point in the party since his appointment and entrance into the party. His financial contributions are just too numerous to mention. Though it is not the duty of the party to defend his friendship with individuals, the party will not stand by idly and allow charlatans to drag the name of the minister in the mud, all for selfish and cheap political aggrandizement.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Great Ovedje Ogboru, the governorship candidate of our great party is a political colossus like Dr Ibe Kachikwu, who has carved an enviable niche for himself in the political coloration of the APC, both at the state and national level as a result of his tremendous contributions that is there for all to see.
“The party hereby condemns the said piece of journalistic trash in its entirety as a failed attempt to hoodwink the general public into believing that the imaginary supposedly lukewarm attitude being falsely tagged against the Minister towards electioneering activities of the party as a result of his friendship with the PDP presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku.
“The minister worked tirelessly for the victory of Mr. President and other candidates of the party, particularly in Delta State. He was not only conspicuously present in every major event/rallies of the party such as the South-South presidential campaign rally in Uyo, the presidential campaign rally in Warri, the presidential campaign rally in Gombe State, but has also attended the Delta State gubernatorial campaign rallies in different parts of the state.
“Dr. Ibe Kachikwu also provided the take off funds for the operational offices for the presidential campaign council and the Buhari Support Organisation, the opening of the new state secretariat of the party and the national headquarters. All this from his own personal resources,” the statement read.