From Okwe Obi, Abuja

Pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chekwas Okorie, has been appointed as the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party, 19 years after he left the party.

Okorie, told journalists yesterday in Abuja that his appointment by the APGA National Chairman, Edozie Njoku, has vindicated him from the lies of political enemies.

Aside from describing Njoku as a fearless fighter and dogged politician, he assured him of his unreserved support, solidarity and unflinching loyalty.

He said: “It is with humility and honour that I accept to serve in the exalted and prestigious office of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Grand Alliance as Chairman.

“I remember with nostalgia the year 2002 (22 years ago) when APGA was registered as a political party by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). I willingly and happily set aside any personal ambition and persuasion to champion the push to present late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the presidential ticket of APGA for the 2003 presidential election in Nigeria.

“It is a fact of Nigeria’s political history that I became the first Nigerian to found a political party without using it to contest for president or any elective office, for that matter. It was my considered view that such sacrifice was in the best interest of the party.

“I am emotionally touched that for many years, l suffered betrayals, persecution, humiliation, malicious allegations, and vicious attacks by the highest beneficiaries of my blood and sweat and their goons, I am here honoured by the same APGA under a new and compassionate leadership. It is, indeed, true that what God cannot do does not exist.

“I am doubly gratified that the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Edozie Njoku, is not only a consummate, committed, and dedicated APGA member, but also deeply rooted in the original vision of the party. He was the pioneer National Vice Chairman, Southeast of APGA, and later became the first candidate for Onitsha North/South Federal constituency for the 2003 general election in Nigeria.

“Chief Njoku is dogged, resilient, forthright, bold, and fearless; a courageous political warrior. The hand of God is on him. I assure him of my unreserved support and solidarity.”