...says the former Caretaker Committee Chairman took a political risk that repositioned APC in Enugu.
A stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Sebastine Chukwuebuka Okafor, has described the immediate past Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Dr. Ben Nwoye, as a force to reckon with in grassroots politics.
Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday on the just concluded congresses of the party in Enugu State, as well as the way forward, Dr. Okafor stated that Dr. Nwoye saved the party from collapse and ensured that the entrance of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah into the party was smooth and devoid of acrimony.
According to him, “I thank God for the gift of Dr. Ben Nwoye to APC Enugu State. He came, saw, and conquered. When it was clear that the party was heading towards doomsday, Dr. Nwoye intervened and took one of the worst political risks by begging Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah to join APC. When the move started, many saw it as impossible and foolish, but as the negative thoughts were progressing, he never reneged. He was intentional about what the party needed in the state. He was everywhere begging the Governor to join APC. He spent his resources, time, and energy to do this. As someone who has worked so well for the party, he knew that merchants from Akpugo who took over the party were temporary intruders who would leave shamefully. As one of those who wants Enugu to connect to the centre and fight for what rightly belongs to her, he worked like a bee and he has achieved that. He has written his name in the political history of the state. In fact, saying that he has changed the Government subject syllabus is also correct.”
Dr. Okafor also praised the leadership qualities of Dr. Nwoye, who he said ensured that the party carried everybody along in its transition process that brought about the successful congresses in the state.
“It was evident how he took the mantle and showed what grassroots leadership entails. For the first time in Enugu State, the media and other political actors were with APC, speaking well about its progress. This was not ordinary; it was because the party had a leader who understands politics and leadership. He talks to everyone and responds to issues with commitment and love. He has made APC a party to behold in the state.”
On what next for the former state chairman of the party, Dr. Okafor stated that national politics of the party is best for him as someone who loves President Tinubu and the Governor very well and also understands their leadership roadmap as well as APC national politics.
“It is time to give him a more significant assignment for the party at the national level. This is because, as a former state chairman, foundation member, and former secretary of the Forum of APC State Chairmen, he knows the national politics of the party. He is likely one who will propagate both the Renewed Hope Agenda and Tomorrow Is Here roadmap very well, as he understands the footprints clearly. In fact, if you check all the leaders of the party in the state, he is just that person who can go there and make the state proud. This is just my own personal view as a foundation member of the party and also a political leader in the state.”
The APC leader also praised Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for trusting Dr. Nwoye with the state leadership of the party even when a lot of forces were against his emergence; adding that ,such reciprocity of love ,is one thing that make him a good leader .
