The founder and pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Chief Chekwas Okorie, has accepted to serve as Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees.
Reading out his acceptance speech in Abuja on Wednesday, Okorie noted that it was his sacrificial nature that made him not to become the first presidential candidate of the party back in 2002 when he founded the party but supported late Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu instead.
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 glorify the Almighty God to whom all Thanksgiving and Adoration belong. My unalloyed gratitude goes to the National Working Committee (NWC) of APGA under the leadership of Engr. Chief Edozie Njoku, as National Chairman of APGA, who rose in one accord in support of my appointment.
“I remember with nostalgia the year 2002 (22 years ago) when APGA was registered as a political party by 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, humuliation, malicious allegations, and vicious attacks by the highest beneficiaries of my blood and sweat and their goons, and 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 consumate, committed, and dedicated APGA member but deeply rooted in the original vision of the Party.
“He was the pioneer National Vice Chairman, Southeast of APGA, and later became first candidate for Onitsha North/South Federal constituency for the 2003 General Election in Nigeria.
“Chief Edozie Njoku is dogged, resilient, forthright, bold, fearless, and a courageous political warrior. The hand of God is on him. I assure him of my unreserved support and solidarity.”