The participation of Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo State in the merger talks that led to the formation of All Progressive Congress (APC) has been applauded by members of the state expanded executive and his political associates who described the move as visionary and timely.

The members unanimously expressed their support to Gov. Okorocha and endorsed the new mega party in an affirmative voice vote after the governor briefed them on the matter during a close-door meeting with political appointees and associates which took place at the Sam Mbakwe Expanded Council Chamber.
While throwing more light on his participation during the meeting held over the weekend, Gov. Okorocha expressed satisfaction and optimism that APC would provide a formidable platform to enthrone good governance at all levels in the country in 2015.
Sources at the meeting said he carpeted the ruling Peoples Party(PDP) for failing to address the socio-economic problems that have continued to slow down the development of the Nigerian nation for 14 years the party has ruled the country.
One of those who attended the meeting, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, described it as fruitful and a significant step towards making APC a household name in Imo and the entire South-East.
He said: “You know that Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha since this week has been in Abuja following his deep involvement in the formation of the first ever mega party in the country comprising the four leading opposition parties including our party, APGA. As a leader, the governor deemed it necessary to brief members of the state expanded executive and other political associates on his participation and the level of progress so far made in building a very strong platform that will wrest power from PDP in 2015. In fact, we applauded his vision in making sure that the south east is fully represented in the party. The governor’s bold step has no doubt given hope to the people of south east who are presently marginalised by the PDP.”
On the challenges posed by the crisis rocking APGA in respect to the merger, Uzoukwa said: “The real APGA people otherwise known as APGA-APGA are part of the merger while the APGA-PDP led by our brother, the Anambra State governor, will join later. We really understand his predicament and as an appointee of President Goodluck Jonathan; you do not expect him to declare open support to whatever move that is targeted at sacking the PDP. However, the spirit of Gov. Peter Obi is with us in APC and at the appropriate time his body which is presently with the PDP will definitely join the spirit in APC.”
The governor’s media aide added that having secured the support of his political associates, Gov. Okorocha who is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of the party in the South-East has commenced putting the necessary structures on ground towards strengthening the party for victory ahead of future elections in the zone.
“As I am speaking with you, Gov. Okorocha who no doubt is a beautiful bride in the merger considering his popularity in the north and west and the massive support he has continued to enjoy in the South-East, has started consultation with other leaders and progressives from the zone. Then considering the achievement of the governor in the bid to rescue Imo State vis-a-vis the fact that he remains a brand well respected by the Igbos owing to his uncommon leadership qualities, APC will definitely win Anambra in 2014 and other South-East states in 2015,” Uzoukwa said.

•Photo: Governor Okorocha.

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