By Victor Nwegede
A two-term former member representing Ezza North/Ishielu Federal Constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon Peter Edeh has defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in Ebonyi State.
Edeh pulled thousands of his supporters from the PDP, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Labour Party, LP and other opposition parties to join the ruling APC Secretariat, Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.
He cited the good leadership style of Governor Francis Nwifuru in Ebonyi as his true motivator to join the APC-led government with his loyalists in the state.
He disclosed that his Ezeokoma people in Ishielu local government area especially the stakeholders and chieftains of different political parties have subscribed to his decision to join the APC.
"I'm here to formally convey to the Ebonyi State Chairman of the APC the decision I made in connection with my supporters to return to the All Progressives Congress; having left it earlier for the People's Democratic Party, PDP.
"And this decision was burned out of my observation in a couple of two months, regards to the exemplary leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru.
"Some of us are rejoining the party while others are freshers. We decided to join the party because of the friendly atmosphere your people have fostered in the state. I want to pay due recognition to the governor who has demonstrated unparalleled humility in handling the affairs of the state. We as a group started supporting him before the election and he won the election landslide in our areas of influence. He has provided good leadership. I am not saying this to massage his ego or yours," he stated.
Edeh pledged to assist in building a better environment with the present APC-led government in Ebonyi State.
Reacting, the APC State Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha promised the defectors equal treatment, saying the party can accommodate everyone with genuine intention while stressing that Governor Nwifuru is working with the best brains without minding their political party attachment.
Emegha further noted that the present administration led by Governor Nwifuru is more concerned with re-strategising to make the state a reference point of excellence among the community of states.
"I am happy that these multitudes have joined our formidable party today. People celebrate with whom God has already been ordained. APC is not only blessed but it is doing exploits in addressing issues of concern to the people". Many of you left the party then just to show your grievances but thank God, the party is hale and hearty and even better now".
"My boss and our Governor, His Excellency, Right Honourable (Dr) Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has distinguished himself in the leadership of the state. He is a rare leader whose quest to improve lives has remained unparalleled and unchallenged. The Governor wants Ebonyi to take the lead as the best among states of the federation. Under his watch, the state is not only competing favourably but is now a reference point of good governance in the nation. Let me inform you that the Governor is driving at nothing other than to rapidly and sustainably develop Ebonyi and her people," the APC Boss said.
He added: "As one of the Governor's lieutenants, I am urging you to be of good cheers and actively participate in the activities of the party. There would be no segregation because we all can be comfortably accommodated. Let's help the Governor actualise his dream for better Ebonyi and her people.
"Let's help in making this place a preferred economic destination for investors by joining forces with His Excellency, the Governor in fighting societal ills such as youth restiveness and insecurity in general. The Governor has shown a lot of trust in the ability of the persons working with him hence they are at liberty to bring their expertise and wealth of experience to bear for a better society.
"The governor is only looking for the best brains and your move today has made APC stronger in Ishielu local government area. I still remember all my efforts to get you back before now but I thank God it is happening today. Let us build a stronger and better party and by extension the state. We need experienced people and greenhorns alike to make progress.
"We are one people and be assured of equal treatment. The party belongs to all of us. Make bold to actively participate in all of our engagements."
