- They are jokers, I remain the chairman – Amagba
By GILBERT EKEZIE
A group of people under the umbrella of Leaders of Ndi Igbo in APC in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area, Lagos State has given reasons they toppled the Uche Casmir Amagba-led administration as Chairman of the political group.
Speaking on the development, Apex Leader and Chairman of the leaders forum, Hon Mrs Nkem Igwe stated that the new decision was taken as a result of the expiration of position and over-stay in office.
She said the dissolution came after of meeting of Ndi Igbo in APC leaders held at Kajola Primary School, along Kirikiri Road, Olodi recently.
Igwe explained that the four years tenure of Chief Amagba has ended since April 2022, but he refused to conduct a fresh election.
She noted that despite all appeals and calls for Amagba to come for a round table discussion on the way forward, he remained adamant , and never called for meetings.
“Uche Amagba was elected in 2018 to serve for four years, but he stayed over six years office, without listening to what anybody was saying. He insisted that there will be no election, unless there is an order from the state level to do so.
“We, the leaders didn’t know what he was doing, because he was busy running the group as his own, forgetting that he supposed to conduct an election and hand over to another person, or seek re election, if he desires.”
According to her, some of Amagba’ Exco members left him and ran to the leaders for intervention.
“After much delay, we saw the need to dissolve the house and appointed an interim leadership, so that we can restrategize for the coming Local Government election.
“The interim leadership is headed by Evangelist Alex Ndubuisi as Chairman, while Sir Richard Okoye and Miss Juliana Apugo are Vice Chairman and General Secretary respectively.
Others were also appointed into various positions.”
Igwe dissuaded the notion that Ndigbo in APC in Ajeromi Ifelodun Local Government Area is always having leadership problem, saying that such is applicable to other people. “People may think that we have crisis, no, we do not , rather we are making sure that there is equity and fairness, so that we will come out stronger anytime, any day.”
She informed that the interim leadership will be there till all the arrangements of conducting a fresh election are concluded.”
Secretary of the Leaders Forum, Chief Silas Ngozi Ogbuehi also explained that the interim administration became necessary since there is no room for vacuum.
He noted that there is need for Ndi Igbo to speak with one voice so they can get what is due to them. ” We have always been a formidable force and will not want anything that would draw us back.
“Now that we have an interim administration, it will help us come together to achieve more politically.”
Reacting, the ousted Chairman, Amagba described the dissolution of his EXCO as a joke that will not see light of the day.
He said for the leaders to claiming to have dissolved a house they no longer belonged, is not only laughable but ridiculous.
“We all know that a lot of people left this group in body and spirit even before the election of 2023. It is not a secret. Now, the plan is to tear the remaining fabric holding the group together, because they want to eat their cake and still have it. What they held that day was not a meeting, but a failed coup attempt.”
According to him, nobody is afraid of election. But things must be done the right way. “Therefore, to have unilaterally dissolve the Leadership of the Chairman and the existing EXCOs, without the slightest knowledge of the leadership of the same organisation at the state level only means one thing : You are working for your personal interest, which is no other than instigating members to rise up against the leadership of Engr. Joe Igbokwe.
“I, Hon Uche Amagba still remain the Chairman of Ndi Igbo in APC, Ajeromi pending when a free and fair election would be conducted and a winner emerges. Any thing other than that is an effort in futility.”
Amagba also said he is entitled and eligible to re-contest if he wants to, because this is a democracy.
“Are they afraid that I will win again? The Apex Leader, Engr Joe Igbokwe only asked members to be a little patient, so that our activities across all Local government Areas of the state will be streamlined, and to ensure that our elections will be done across board, same time, same date.
“Since Ndi Igbo in APC is not a cult, people are allowed to pitch their tents wherever they like.
But for now, I am still the Chairman of Ndi Igbo in APC and whoever does not agree to this can install his or her own Chairman.
There’s nothing wrong in having a parallel Ndi Igbo in APC group in Ajeromi for any reason.
It is also important to let them know that things are not always the way they seem. I have the massive support and loyalty of a lot of people here. And even if we are just few in numbers, we shall remain resolute and have our eyes on the Goal.”
He pledged the loyalty of Ndigbo in APC Ajeromi LGA led by Engr Joe Igbokwe, the Apex leader of the group in Lagos state to APC.