DELTA APC LEADERS STORM ABUJA; Seeking For Peaceful Resolution To Crisis

COMPENDIUM OF ACTIVITIES OF THE DELTA APC YOUTHS FOR PEACE COMMITTEE.

INTRO

Delta APC has been engulfed in serious internal crisis that has left it fragmented along 3 major factions but of 5 interest groups. This has left the party faithful demoralised as all political activities became stagnant.


Despite the seeming visit of a committee on fact finding mission to the state sometime in 2015 with a view to addressing it, the problems remained unabated as the crisis came to its climax with the setting up of a caretaker committee by the Elders committee led by late Senator Francis Okpozo.

The 2 factions seemed equal and determined to undo each other not caring the negative implication it will have on the Party as their followers especially the youths also SENTIMENTALLY joined in the fray, employing all their God given brains especially in the social and conventional media.

Not until the 15th of January, after the Youths decided to take their destinies in their hands by dropping all attachments and decided to come together and form a common front aimed at initiating a Peace process that will unite the party. The inaugural meeting to this effect was held on the 15th of January 2017 in Ughelli, Delta state.

At the end of the meeting after exhaustively looking into the root causes and ways to bring an end to the crisis, we arrived at 3 main resolutions which immediately brought Hope, calm and a kind of Fragile Peace to the Party.

Below is step by step account of our visits to the Known Leaders of the 5 interest groups within the party, both within and outside the state including the face to face meeting of Olorogun Otega Emerhor and Chief Engr. Hyacinth Enuha.

The 5 interest groups as identified by us are: Olorogun Otega/ Jones Erue led group, Late Senator Okpozo(Now Engr. Enuha)/ Caretaker committee led group, The Adolor Okotie Eboh led group, The Chief Great Ogboru led group and the Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei led Group.

NOTE: CHIEF GREAT OGBORU AND RT. HON. VICTOR OCHEI’S GROUPS ARE NOT AMONG THE FEUDING CAMPS BUT JUST INTEREST GROUPS WITHIN THE PARTY DUE TO THE FOLLOWERSHIP THEY BROUGHT INTO THE PARTY.

INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE DELTA APC YOUTHS  FOR PEACE COMMITTEE HELD IN UGHELLI ON SUNDAY 15TH JANUARY, 2017

Pastor Norbert A.S. led the opening prayer as at 2:00pm

The Convener of the meeting Comr Louis Sagacious declared the meeting open with the introduction of the Co-Chairmen in the persons of Engr. Elvis Ayomanor and Amb. Young Piero . He went further to highlight the essence of the meeting and appealed to members to eschew all former differences so as to achieve the set goal of helping to restore peace in the party.

Comr. Aghoogho Igini identified the need for minutes taking which immediately prompted Emma Oweazim Jnr. to move a motion asking that the Secretary position be zoned to the North since the co chairmen are from Central and South respectively and immediately nominated Comr. Nnamdi O. Ofonye as Secretary and Austine Kpedi emerged as Assistant Secretary.

Committee Members introduced themselves.

AGENDA:

* what are the main issues rocking the party

* What are the way forward

We all identified the state executive council as the major issue affecting the party.

In light of the issue identified, Comr Sagacious presented two points Proposals as stated below;

* That the Prophet Jones led state executive council should be accepted as the authentic SEC with the following actions

1. The position of the State Secretary and other vacant positions be allotted to the Elders/ Engr. Enuha led group while those expelled or suspended from the SEC be admitted back into their former positions.

OR

* The Prophet Jones led state executive council be dissolved for the constituting of an all inclusive caretaker Committee with Prophet Jones as the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee with equal representation of all the interest groups.

Comr Timi Coleman and Comr Aghogho Igini both opined the need to also identify other aggrieved Leaders in the party for possible engagement.

PST Norbert A.S. strongly argued that the committee should not consider the option of suggesting how the party should be run but rather focus on reconciling the two main Leaders in the party and every other issues shall fall into place which the Committee accepted as the only way forward.

RESOLUTIONS

After critically analysing every option that will bring about peace as enumerated, the members resolved as follows

1: The committee agreed that there should be total stop on comments and posts capable of promoting fictionalization within the party on conventional and new media while the peace process is on going.

2: Total Harmonisation of the state Exco as will be agreed upon by the leaders and major stakeholders within the party that will be generally acceptable to all.

3: That in that event that peace is eventually restored, 20% of the positions be allotted to the Youths.

Having Identified the Leaders of the various camps, the committee started a face to face meeting/ consultation with them. Our first point of call was with Olorogun Otega Emerhor in his house in warri.

THE DELTA APC YOUTHS FOR PEACE COMMITTEE MEETING WITH OLOROGUN O'TEGA  EMERHOR HELD IN WARRI ON 20TH JANUARY, 2017

The meeting began at 7:45pm with an opening prayer from Pastor Norbert A.S.  after a brief and comic pleasantries exchange between Committee members and Olorogun O’tega.

Selected members spoke and told Olorogun the reason why we came and what we desire(PEACE AND UNITY) and appealed to him to be ready to make sacrifices, shift grounds and compromise where necessary after the Secretary, Nnamdi O. Ofonye presented a copy of our resolutions to him.

 OLOROGUN OTEGA’S RESPONSE

Olorogun O'tega Emorhor commended the committee for its initiative and categorically stated that he had envisaged the era when Youths will rise and take initiatives that will protect their future not only in party politics but also in the Nation.

Olorogun repeatedly stressed on the need to win the state for the party and asserted that one way of winning the state is through peace and Unity in the party. While speaking on his readiness to make peace,he said they the leaders of the party will look at possible means of accommodating all interests group within the party.

He said the state party conflict is been prolonged as a result of the communication gap between the party Leaders and Elders.

He therefore called on the committee to broker a meeting between him and Engr Enuha where both of them will have an enclosed meeting to discuss the way forward and reach out to the committee.

He told the committee that he is not desperate about being the Guber candidate of the party in 2019, rather the taking over of the Osadebe House by the party is his main priority. He concluded his speech by calling on all to contribute to the rebuilding of the Party in the state to become a strong and united family.

Having secured Olorogun Otega’s readiness to work with the Youth committee in the pursuance of Peace, our next point of call was to Chief Engr. Haycinth Enuha.

 MEETING BETWEEN DELTA APC YOUTHS PEACE COMMITTEE AND ENGR HYACINTH ENUHA HELD ON 22ND JANUARY, 2017 AT ENGR ENUHA RESIDENCE, OGWASHI-UKU

The Coordinator, Comr Sagacious briefed Engr Enuha on the purpose of the committee visit before the Secretary of the committee, Nnamdi O. Ofonye presented a copy of the Resolutions to him.

Comr. Lucky Demide while contributing and highlighting on the resolutions, narrated how far the committee has gone and the positive response of Olorogun O'tega Emerhor towards the resolutions and also pleaded with Elder Enuha to embrace the reconciliatory initiative.

 CHIEF ENGR. HYACINTH ENUHA'S RESPONSE

Responding to the committee resolutions/suggestions, Engr Hyacinth Enuha applauded the Youths initiative which he likened to the efforts of *Ile Ife Youths of old* whose efforts restored peace to Ile Ife land as been enjoyed today but was quick to add that the issue of Harmonisation has remained the only solution but has never been sincerely tinkered even after Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi advised that they toe that part after the disagreements that trailed the state congresses.

He narrated how Hon. Minister of Transport Rt Hon. Rotimi Amaechi had called a similar harmonisation meeting in the past which later became fruitless due to how agreements reached by them to go back to Delta and Harmonise was later betrayed adding that the present logjam in the state party is the Climax of all the issues that the party leaders failed to address in the past.

While regretting the conflict in the party, he stated "the refusal of Jones led exco to recognize the position of the party Elders' moves to correct many anormalies visible to them prompted Late Senator Okpozo to constitute the caretaker committee" citing the Asaba high court Judgement which reportedly sacked it.

He however conceded to the appeal by the Committee and agreed to go into a face to face meeting with Olorogun O'tega but insisted that the two co-chairmen of the committee and two other members of the group to be selected by both him Olorogun Otega from within the membership of the committee must be in attendance as witnesses.

Having secured the readiness of both Leaders to meet face to face, a meeting date was fixed for Lagos.

MEETING BETWEEN OLOROGUN OTEGA EMERHOR AND CHIEF ENGR. HYACINTH ENUHA HELD ON THURSDAY 26TH JANUARY 2017 AT PROTEA HOTEL, LAGOS

The scheduled meeting between Olorogun Otega Emerhor and Chief Engr. Hyacinth Enuha as facilitated by the Youth Peace Committee held as fixed and in the presence of the Youth peace committee delegates.

The are the Co Chairmen Elvis Ayomanor and Amb. Young Piero, the Secretary Nnamdi O. Ofonye and Comrade Lucky Demide.

Both leaders debated and trashed issues with the delegates only making minor inputs where necessary.

At the end, they both agreed to take the final conclusion back to their camps with a view for them all to be on same page on the issues and at same time come up with their stands.

The following were highlighted and will be considered as presented and proposed by Olorogun Otega.

1: Constitution of an Elders council
2 Constitution of expanded Leadership council
3: Constitution of expanded state caucus ( This will have some reps of the Youth committee)

The issue of board appointment list forwarded from Delta APC was discussed and both leaders agreed that when these committees are in place, then the list will be drawn up again to have all the interest groups well represented.

They both agreed to bridge all communication gaps that existed between them before now while  also expressing readiness to make sacrifices on both sides which includes taking a look at the present composition of the SWC although no definite agreement was reached.

The meeting ended at about 1pm.

On concluding with the meeting, the committee immediately proceeded to meet with Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru having secured the appointment with him in his Lagos Office.

MEETING WITH CHIEF GREAT OGBORU HELD ON 26TH JANUARY 2017 IN LAGOS

He kicked against the Proposed Elders council but instead proposes and supports a broad Leadership council who will run the affairs of the party. He maintained his call for an early congress holding around May/ July this year and openly supported the peace moves.

The groups he identified were same as those by us apart from the identification of the Igbuzor/ Keyamo led group bringing it to 6 as against our 5.

He also maintained that the party must not be seen to be flagrantly disobeying court orders considering the change mantra of the APC led Federal Government. He further noted that since the Youths are calling for sacrifice, shifting grounds and compromise from all leaders to achieve the desired peace, sacrificing the remaining 6 months of his tenure as state chairman will not be too much to give by Prophet Jones Erue to achieve peace.

He later presented a detailed proposal he had earlier sent to the National chairman, Chief John Oyegun on what should be done to urgently restore peace to the party early enough to be able to win future elections.

This time, the attendance had 7 Committee members with the Convener, Sagacious Louis, Pastor Norbert and Orotoma Aghogho joining us up.

Attached below is the unedited copy of Chief Ogboru's Proposal

 
November 2, 2016

The National Chairman                        
Chairman in Council
National Working Committee
All Progressive Congress [APC]
National Secretariat
Abuja
Nigeria.

Dear Sir,

RE: DELTA STATE CHAPTER OF THE APC

Executive Summary
The APC in Delta State came about by the fusion of the legacy ACN, ANP, CPC and minority faction of Delta DPP. Unfortunately, the merger arrangements in Delta were not well thought out as the ensuing congress that followed became a point of major demarcation and breakaway. In a nutshell a faction emerged between Okotie-Eboh and Jones Erue, adding to the dis-satisfied faction of the likes of Barr. Keyamo and later Otive Igbuzor, Tilije et all, who left in frustration alleging unfair playing field. That makes it 3 or 4 factions.

Now, the then members of DPP led by Sen. Okpozo and part of the ACN led by Chief Enuha Hyacinth have now disagreed with the Jones Erue faction and have created their own faction setting up illegal structures to go with it.

 At the same time, the larger part of DPP that went to the Labour Party has now metamorphosed into Light of Labour (LOL) and had joined the APC enmasse via the recognized Jones Erue faction. That makes the APC in Delta a party of 6 or 7 major groups or factions, when PDP, SDP and Accord members are included. In the midst of all these, the Federal High Court in Asaba at the instance of Chief Adollo Okotie-Eboh sacked the Jones Erue led exco.

Therefore, the imperative before us, is how best to harmonize all these groups into one united strong party and the best route for doing so, in order to achieve a perpetual peace.
The Groups That Make Up APC Delta Today
Prophet Jones led Exco
Adollo Okotie-Eboh faction
Kayemo/Otive Igbuzo group
Okpozo/Enuha faction
Light of Labour Organisation
PDP, SDP, Accord New Entrants

How to Harmonize the Groups
An executive resolution of all the above member groups adequately represented before a NWC meeting, with representatives from the SGF.
OR
Complying with the Court Order of the Court sacking the Jones Erue Exco.

Both options are viable and would satisfy a significant majority of the groups. The option of sanctioning some elders of the party in the Okpozo/Enuha faction is not politically wise. This option will leave the problem lingering for an enternity.

Though the Light of Labour, the Accord/PDP and Erue faction can move  without the others, there will never be lasting harmony in the State. Worse still, the Okpozo and Adollo Okotie-Eboh groups who had been assured that the coming of new groups would lead to a resolution of all factional problems would feel betrayed and will continue to fight unbated.

The general feeling in the State is that if Adollo Okotie-Eboh took the party to court so did Prophet Jones Erue. Hence whatever fate would befall Okotie-Eboh must befall Jones Erue. This feeling is deep seated and must not be ignored.

My recommendation on this is that we should use both options. Therefore, we must recognize and give effect to the order of the high court and a meeting of all the groups will decide how best the party is run before fresh congresses within 6/9 months.

The Need For Fresh Congresses ASAP
The following would apply or be the case if and when fresh congresses are conducted:-

It will dissolve all factions in the party and give fillip to a new united party.
It will give a new leadership that will reflect the strength and character of the party’s current composition.

It will harmonize all the factions into one.

The new members and the old members would have a sense of belonging.

Bickering on a daily basis will disappear or be reduced to a minimum.
A united party that can compete at all levels will emerge.

This will give synergy to the party to work as one, by instilling a sense of purpose as an organization. That is, organizational synergy. That is a common objective driven by momentum.

To continue with this current situation is to waste precious time and resources bickering, quarrelling, fighting with endless hostilities. These are not the basis for which the party was formed.

The party was formed to articulate all the different shades of opinion into an agenda for the good governance of the State. It is not the shades of some but of all.
A perpetual peace would have been achieved at least to a very large extent.

Maintaining the Status Quo
This is a time bomb waiting to explode.
It will leave too many persons aggrieved with apathy directed at the party.

Over time we may tacitly be asking a big chunk of the party to go to another party. Don’t forget the third force being rumored [OBJ] to come soon!!!

We would be creating massive opposition and competition for the APC if 2 or more of the groups decide to leave to another party.

This will be using a weak-structure to run a much bigger house. This will leave the party crisis ridden in all the Wards, LGA’s in the State.

To have late congresses in 2018 is dangerous and not advisable. The best approach would be to have a shortened congress before May/July 2017 to give room to resolve all post congress issues and have a working system in place.

The LOL had an understanding with the Prophet Jones Erue Exco (during negotiations to fuse both parties APC/LP) to have an early congress before they joined. Surprisingly it is only the Jones Exco that is vehemently opposed to a fresh congress. It is not a good sign for party’s to renege on agreements. That will be a source of constant friction for the future.

The constitution of the party did not say that where there are crisis in a state, that the exco cannot be dissolved. On the contrary, the NWC/NEC has the powers to order for dissolution of a dysfunctional chapter of the party. The Gombe example is good.

STEPS TO HARMONY
Call a meeting of all stakeholders (6 from each group) before the NWC or with adequate representation of the NWC/FGN/SGF
Rebuke erring members in-house and get a pledge of continued good behavior  going forward. A public apology is elementary in the circumstances. The leadership must overlook actions that are not helpful to the building of the party.
Agree on what to do and how to do so.
Implement the agreements or arrangements as agreed.
This may involve caretaker committees or leadership councils prior to congress. But there must be early congresses on the cards –say May 2017.

CONCLUSIONS
Without harmonizing the various factions fully via an early congress, the crisis in Delta State chapter of the APC will continue unabated to the detriment of the party in the State and a continued dent to the National image of the party, Nationwide. This is not the purpose for which the party was formed.

RECOMMENDATION
Position the party to achieve the main objective for which it was formed, which is, to serve as platform for alternative ideas for the good governance for the people of Delta State, by adopting the “steps to harmony” supra.

………………………………………..
GREAT OVEDJE OGBORU

THE DELTA APC YOUTHS FOR PEACE COMMITTEE MEETING WITH RT. HON. VICTOR OCHEI HELD IN ASABA ON 04TH FEB. 2017

The meeting was the last on the list of Leaders to be visited.

It started at about 6pm on Saturday February 4th.

It was moderated by the Co chairman Amb. Young Piero. Our resolution was read by the Secretary, Nnamdi Ofonye before fee selected members spoke on our aims and how far we have gone in our pursuit of peace in the party.

Rt. Hon. Victor Ochei's Response
The former speaker of the Delta state house of assembly, Rt.Hon. Ochei did not not hide is admiration of the courage of the youths to have initiated and pursued such an enormous task.

He noted that the scenario has again pointed to the fact that the Youths if given the opportunity can lead and occupy sensitive positions in the country.

Hon. Ochei maintained that the situation in Delta APC is worrisome and pledged to work with the committee in any possible area that will help in restoring unconditional peace in the party, the only sure means to win 2019 elections.

He maintained that despite the court judgement which some groups are relying on, Political solution is the solution out of the quagmire calling on all the various warring groups to shift grounds in the spirit of give and take and the overall interest of the party

On the resolution of the Youths calling for a 20% chance in all positions in the state, the former speaker assured the committee of his support in that regard. He even went further to promise that he will argue at the appropriate time that 40% of positions be reserved for the youths.

NOTE: The group did not meet with Chief Adolor Okotie Eboh due to his stand that he will work with the generally agreed resolutions of the other leaders as reported to the house by one of us, Comrade Igini who was mandated to fix the meeting between us

THE ABOVES WERE THE TRAJECTORY OF THE DELTA APC YOUTH FOR PEACE COMMITTEE.

IT WAS COMPILED BY

NNAMDI O. OFONYE
SECRETARY, DELTA APC YOUTHS FOR PEACE.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY.