In spite of controversies, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Imo State chapter, Saturday held its State congress with Dr. Hillary Eke returning as the State Chairman.

The occasion, which attracted delegates from across the 27 Local Government Areas of the state was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere.

The Congress supervised by the Alhaji Umar Ngama (Chairman) led Congress Committee, took place at the NDDC Youth Skill Acquisition center in Ehime Mbano council area of the State owing to security concerns over the party secretariat which was torched a week ago and still cordoned off by security agents Other members of the committee include Otunba Wale Gbakinro (Secretary), Henry Udeh, Alh. Shehu Nafuntua, Lawal kayode.

The Chairman revealed that he is determined to ensure a free and fair Congress and pleaded with party faithful to be orderly and patient given the circumstances of the day.

He said the process will be by election or affirmation where there is a single candidate. Stakeholders of Imo APC present include: Senators Ifeanyi Araraume, Benjamin Uwajumogu, Osita Izunaso, Barr Emeka Nwajiuba, Chief Uzoma Obiyor, Hon T.O.E. Ekechi and about 25 Local Government Chairmen of the party.

The exercise saw delegates electing candidates of their choice and also returned Hon. Ugochukwu Nzekwe as the Deputy Chairman. Commenting on the congress, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumeren commended the party faithful for conducting themselves peacefully during and after the congress, saying that with this the people are reclaiming their party from the brink.

He noted that the party is on the same page at the State and the national level and gradually repositioning the party to emerge victorious in 2019 general election.

The Deputy Governor charged all party supporters to remain resolute and keep faith with the party as the leadership is committed to those issues that concern the people’s welfare.

“I congratulate all elected executive members of our great party for emerging victorious in this keenly contested congress. I urge them to be magnanimous in victory and ensure they carry everybody along as we are one family.

“Let me also implore all to remember that our goal is to better the lots of our people and we must be careful how we manage our relationship with our people because that is the whole essence of governance and leadership”, he enthused. (Sunday Telegraph)