The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed delight with the Supreme Court verdict on the case of leadership dispute brought before the apex court by Chief Maxi Okwu, former factional leader of the party, against former chairman, Chief Victor Umeh.

“Our delight is not on who won or lost but on the final closure to a matter that has lingered for a while, a matter that could have been resolved much earlier than now in a brotherly and sisterly manner,” said Chinedu Nkwonta, Anambra State Publicity Secretary of the party.

Nkwonta who stated this in a media statement made available to News Express, noted: “We are aware of the obstacles that had been thrown on the ways of some of our candidates, including our Board of Trustees (BoT) Chairman and Leader, in the past by some elements in the opposing group within. We are mindful of the visible support some members of the faction within gave to our opponents in Imo and other states, especially in Abia State where these elements came out openly and supported other candidates in the governorship and other elections. We believe that this judgment must have mellowed them to reason. As a party founded on the principle of being our brothers and sisters keepers, we are very willing to forgive, if they can be sober and retrace their steps. If God can forgive, APGA must also forgive so as to move forward, but let there not be a re-occurrence (Ozo-emekwana).”

The publicity scribe advised: “This is the time for all to throw our collective weights behind our BoT Chairman, His Excellency Chief Willie Obiano, (Akpokuedike) and the national leadership of our party under Dr Victor Ike Oye. We must not be under any illusion about the challenges ahead. We must align to conquer. In clear spirit of igwe-bu-ike, collectively, we should all appreciate the hand of God that has never allowed our party to go under.”

Nkwonta also expressed the party’s gratitude to former National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, OFR, (Ohamadike Ndigbo), whose consistency and determination, he said, kept APGA alive; as well as the new National Chairman, Chief Oye, for his creative abilities and the innovations that he introduced into our fold and commitment to take the party to higher heights.

He appealed to the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District to anchor on the Supreme Court victory and vote en masse for the APGA candidate, Chief Umeh, during the forth-coming senatorial election; adding that when Oti takes charge of government affairs in Abia State, with Akpokuodike in Anambra: “Both will collaborate in marshalling out the best programmes for development of Igbo land, and we shall come to the realisation that God has great love for APGA. Therefore, let the internal bad blood stop.”

•Photo shows APGA EXCO members.