The South East leadership of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) has welcomed the Supreme Court judgement confirming Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa as the party’s National Chairman.
In a ruling delivered on Wednesday, the Court upheld an appeal by APGA, recognising Sly Ezeokenwa as the legitimate National Chairman and imposed a N20 million fine on Edozie Njoku for filing a frivolous suit at the FCT High Court.
Justice James Omotosho, delivering the judgement, declared that there was no valid court order or judgement from the Supreme Court recognising Mr Njoku as APGA National Chairman. Justice Omotosho also criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for recognising the Njoku-led leadership of the party without any subsisting court order to support such action.
In a statement signed on Tuesday, by APGA National Vice Chairman, South East, Rev. Augustine Ehiemere, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the party congratulated Chief Ezeokenwa for emerging victorious after a prolonged legal battle.
“Ehiemere emphasised that the judiciary had once again proven to be the last hope of the common man.
He also expressed gratitude to the National Leader of APGA and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, for his unwavering support during the party’s trying times. Ehiemere called for unity within the party, urging members to put the legal disputes behind them and focus on reconciliation and progress.
“The time for war is over; it is now time for reconciliation and forging ahead as a united front to achieving the greater task of seeing the party win the Anambra governorship election come 2025 as well as winning subsequent elective positions across the country come 2027,” the statement read.
Ehiemere also extended an olive branch to Edozie Njoku and his supporters in the South East, urging them to join hands with the Ezeokenwa-led leadership to strengthen the party for the common good.
“I therefore call on Edozie Njoku and his followers in the South East to join hands with Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa’s leadership to work together to build and strengthen the party for the common good of all,” the statement added.