Politics
I Am The Founder Of APGA, Not Ojukwu – Chekwas Okorie
The former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance and the current National Chairman and founder of United Progressive Party (UPP), Chekwas Okorie, has disputed claims that the late Biafran warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was one of the founding fathers of APGA.
According to him, Ojukwu joined APGA six months after the registration of the party.
Chief Okorie in a statement entitled, “I Am the Undisputed Founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance – APGA” and made available to newsmen, in Abuja yesterday narrated how he founded the party and brought in the former Biafran leader to join the party and become its presidential candidate.
He said, “INEC announced the registration of APGA, NDP and UNPP on Saturday 22nd June, 2002 and I received the Certificate of Registration of APGA on Monday, 24th June 2002 in an impressive ceremony at INEC Headquarters presided over by late Dr. Abel Guobadia, the Honourable Chairman of INEC at the time.”
He further revealed that it was about six months later that Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu was persuaded to dump the defunct APP for the APGA.
He said, “On the 24th of December 2002, he (Ojukwu) agreed to become a member of APGA after I had consented to propose him as our presidential candidate for the 2003 presidential election.
“This took place at his No 4 Isiuzo Street residence, in Independence Layout, Enugu, in the presence of Justice Eze Ozobu (rtd), Dr Joe Nwaorgu, Prince Richard Ozobu, Chief H.B.C Ogboko and Chief Onwuka Ukwa. On the 26th of December 2002, I proposed Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu as our presidential candidate in a well-attended World Press Conference at the Zodiac Hotel, Independence Layout Enugu.
“On the 10th of January, at the Old Parade Ground, Garki, Abuja, I proudly raised the hands of Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Alhaji Sanni Bayero as our presidential and vice presidential candidates respectively.”
Okorie blamed the distortion of the history of APGA on the former national treasurer and national chairman of the party, Chief Victor Umeh, who he accused of deliberate distortion of facts.
He insisted that when APGA was formed Umeh was still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“I wonder why any person with any sense of proportion would want to ascribe the founding of APGA to Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu. The Eze Igbo Gburugburu I associated with for a long time never for a moment laid claim to founding APGA. God knows that I genuinely and loyally added appreciable value to Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s political profile. I deserve nothing but gratitude,” he added.
He noted that “Section 18(1) of APGA Constitution registered with INEC which was there before Umeh joined the party states as follows. ‘The Founder of the party Chief Chekwas Okorie shall hold the office of the national chairman of the party for an initial period of four years and may hold the office for a second term of four years if he so desires’. Umeh aided by sponsors from the Obasanjo Presidency, struck when I was mid way in my first term of four (4) years.”
He expressed happiness that none of the children of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu has been tempted to ascribe founding APGA to their noble father, Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Eze Igbo Gburugburu, a man of immeasurable integrity would never desire to be dressed with borrowed robes.
“I am unable to come to terms with the reasons why his wife Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who is aware of the veracity of the above narrative would want to join in denigrating the image of the great leader by dressing her late husband in borrowed robes as if he needed it to compliment his historic and noble accomplishments. This is an obvious and regrettable disservice to the personality of the sage.
“The incontrovertible fact is that I, Chief Dr. Chekwas Okorie am the Founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA 2002 and the United Progressive Party, UPP 2012. By this feat I proudly join Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mallam Aminu Kano and Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, all of blessed memory, as one of four Nigerians who founded two political parties each in their life time”, he added.
austine
December 4, 2017 at 12:44 pm
You are right Chekwas and some of us know that you brought Ojukwu into APGA. We also know that APGA problem started when Umeh who was the treasurer dubiously displaced you as the chairman with the connivance of Peter Obi the then governor. Some of us did not like how you were treated. But the fact also remains that it was Ojukwu that attracted the soul of Igbos to that party.
Chima Malachi Ehiemere
December 3, 2017 at 9:38 am
Who cares!!
Raphael Mbam
December 3, 2017 at 12:01 am
Did this one just wake up from sleep?
Rodriguez Pence
December 2, 2017 at 10:45 pm
Chekwas idiots
Ngorom
December 2, 2017 at 9:20 pm
Mazi Okorie Egwu Egwu, has the political party UPGA improved the quality of life of Ibos or made a difference in their standard of living is the issue?
Emmanuel George
December 2, 2017 at 8:16 pm
True talk, we should equally understand that Dr chekwas Okorie warn Pmb that he must stop treating Biafran with disdain.
Dr. Peter Ejirika,CPA
December 2, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Mazi Okorie Egwu Egwu, has the political party UPGA improved the quality of life of Ibos or made a difference in their standard of living is the issue?
Ekeh Donald
December 2, 2017 at 6:16 pm
Why telling us
Ken Edu
December 2, 2017 at 5:15 pm
Who cares old man
Please talk about our freedom and Biafra motherland
All Hail Biafra
Metty Oruitemeka
December 2, 2017 at 4:43 pm
And so what?
Uche Okoro
December 2, 2017 at 4:35 pm
Ken Edu
December 2, 2017 at 5:14 pm
Who cares oooo my brother
Umunna Manchester Nwosu
December 2, 2017 at 3:28 pm
Ehu cowards die many times before their death.Where were you when Ikemba did all the needful.Remember that Ojukwu is dead but mightier dead than a life. You will be paid in your coins because of this costly open mouth.
Ezeson Jonah
December 2, 2017 at 3:27 pm
Onye ara, why you no talk when Apga was raining
Umahi Emeka
December 2, 2017 at 3:12 pm
Is true Nazi chekwas.you are truly the founder but usurper came and hijacked the party from you .
Uche Asomba
December 2, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Mumu
Okafor Kelvin
December 2, 2017 at 2:49 pm
U are very stupid
Attah David
December 2, 2017 at 2:37 pm
Are you still with APGA
Solo Nemeze
December 2, 2017 at 2:37 pm
You people should go out and fight with your political rogue colleagues in Abuja,rather than stay at home here disturbing us and adding salt to the injuries that you and Nigeria have inflicted on us.
Chukwunyelu Nzubechukwu
December 2, 2017 at 2:27 pm
But Ojukwu told us that is our own. Period
Emmanuel Nnaemeka Ezike
December 2, 2017 at 12:29 pm
Onye chupu onwe ya n’ugbo osi n’ugbo eruteghi ya.
Biafra Oil
December 2, 2017 at 12:01 pm
I AM THE FOUNDER OF ORINGO PARTY
Anih Chibuike Christopher
December 2, 2017 at 11:46 am
You found APGA but hate Biafra.
Okwy Ofodiegwu
December 2, 2017 at 10:41 am
Actually, he founded APGA when Ojukwu was in the Anpp or App but Peter Obi and Victor Umeh in collusion with Ojukwu hijacked the party from him.
Ernest Jombo
December 2, 2017 at 4:00 pm
Yaa, its true
Okwy Ofodiegwu
December 2, 2017 at 4:04 pm
Yeah, most people are not aware of it. It was chekwas that brought Ojukwu to the party as the presidential candidate.
Uche Henry
December 2, 2017 at 10:17 am
Let IKEMBA ODUMEGWU OJUKWU hear it from ur demented mouth. What a poppycock!!!
Aham Ezumoha
December 2, 2017 at 9:41 am
No doubt about that.
Ogonnaya Okike
December 2, 2017 at 8:41 am
We are talking about how to get biafra a referendum and you are here debating on how you founded APGA.Then go and collect money from central bank because you founded APGA.shameless,selfish and good for nothing chekwas
Theocyll Cyril
December 2, 2017 at 8:38 am
who dat one help
Ikechukwu Odii
December 2, 2017 at 8:26 am
And so
Samson Onyebuchi
December 2, 2017 at 8:16 am
I called u yesterday bt u cldnt pick up ur y na?
John Olubulu
December 2, 2017 at 8:05 am
we dont want to know
John Olubulu
December 2, 2017 at 8:04 am
u suppose to talking about our freedom
John Olubulu
December 2, 2017 at 8:03 am
mind u who ask u suppose talk about our freedom
Lezor Lazor
December 2, 2017 at 7:58 am
Cow bell ndi OSU imi
Cletus Achuna
December 2, 2017 at 7:47 am
You should’ve said it when Ojukwu was still alive, so why now, what does that have to do with Biafrans? Nonsense animal with evil thought nd mind.
Charles Ani
December 2, 2017 at 7:41 am
Kindly shut up your mouth before I kick your head now
Antoinnette Nwanya
December 2, 2017 at 7:18 am
And so, na now u want to open mouth to talk ?
Marc Henry
December 2, 2017 at 7:05 am
Why didn’t you say this when Ojukwu was alive?
Chinyere Eze
December 2, 2017 at 6:40 am
Igbos does not recognised you since i was born i have never heard this name
Martin Uzochukwu
December 2, 2017 at 6:32 am
Eat naa
Chidozie Obia
December 2, 2017 at 6:30 am
Take your APGA zoo party to the grave, what we want is BIAFRA. Upon the respect we accord to you, only to prove to us that prejudice has been your lot. Old fool.
Aja Ajala
December 2, 2017 at 6:04 am
And then?
Emeka Godwin
December 2, 2017 at 5:56 am
Chief where were you when ojukwu was alife, you did not come to tell us that you are the founder of APGA not ojukwu.
Udeh Lawrence
December 2, 2017 at 5:34 am
Who cares
K.k. Peter
December 2, 2017 at 5:23 am
He is right. And he has really sacrificed for the party too.
Uchenna Charles Nebeolisa
December 2, 2017 at 5:18 am
But you are no more APGA because of your greedy and can’t stand for your right
Bensea Chemical
December 2, 2017 at 4:34 am
And then? That is not the issue at hand now please chekwas
Louis Ezeonyekwere
December 2, 2017 at 4:28 am
who ask you
Chidex Hillson
December 2, 2017 at 3:57 am
This man is a good for nothing fellow. Ur UPP didn’t sell again and ur here crying like an OGB i.e. over grown baby. U said so many things against IPOB and those clamouring for d restoration of Biafra before d boycotted Anambra election How market naah? U better come out openly and support Biafra bc its d only option for Ndigbo
Joe Black
December 2, 2017 at 3:46 am
You are a stupid man, you are the founder then where are you now. Betrayers
Amaka Anyiam Felix
December 2, 2017 at 3:08 am
yes his right
Concord Joel-Okafor
December 2, 2017 at 3:02 am
That’s is correct he is the founder of APGA not even Ojukwu
Jose Bakker
December 2, 2017 at 2:50 am
you are the founder od APGA but which party are u in now UPP, so how the founder of party is not in that party he is the founder and decamped to another party
Anyanwu Emmanuel
December 2, 2017 at 1:57 am
Chekwas Ojukwu endorsed your party for the Igbos what is wrong with that? You do not have the clout what APGA is doing in the South East
Sunday Nwanuta
December 2, 2017 at 1:57 am
And so what
Ejimenkeonye Emeka
December 2, 2017 at 1:31 am
And so what…..
Emmanuel Amu
December 2, 2017 at 1:27 am
Yes we know but Ojukwu built on it and developed it
Ogbuji Franklyn
December 2, 2017 at 1:08 am
You’re very stupid. Where we’re you all this while
Kris Williams
December 2, 2017 at 1:03 am
How can we know between u and Ojukwu bc he later but the it is not important who found or not the imporant now ok. Try to get biafra very important to all biafrans world wide ok.
Ik Brown Brown
December 2, 2017 at 12:39 am
means what if u
Okoye Faith
December 2, 2017 at 12:26 am
What do u want?U have tried all u can to See Apga down
Johnpaul Martin Ojirinnaka
December 1, 2017 at 11:54 pm
And soo?????
George Nwankwo
December 1, 2017 at 11:46 pm
Use your UPP. Professional politician.
Okechukwu Okechukwu
December 1, 2017 at 11:42 pm
And then ?? Mr Apga
George Nwachukwu Enyinna
December 1, 2017 at 11:28 pm
That is the simple truth
Paul Peter
December 1, 2017 at 11:19 pm
Yes,we agree but how far?
Ogboa Peters
December 1, 2017 at 10:54 pm
Chief Chekwa was stronly with IKE EJI EJIE MBA 1 OF IGBOLAND, DIKE DI ORA NMA NDI IGBO, CHIEF DIM CHUKWUEMEKA ODUMEGWU during early stage and middle part of the journey before he Chekwas was espell from the APGA by the GENERAL. Chief Chekwas anywhere was a strong member and a great defender of OJUKWU, ready to die in defence of OJUKWU, for when SS was about aresting OJUKWU on acount of saying that he support Biafra during Uwazuike saga, Chief Chekwas did NOT take it light with them, even Ojukwu himself did not take it light Igbos step in. OJUKWU refused honouring SS invitation . It on note that when he died all arm of the Federal forces ensured that OJUKWU was given a bifitting burial. But the issues of the founder of APGA did not arise uptill the time Chief Victor Ume takes over the position of Chief Chekwas as APGA chairman. Iam not in any political party. Iam in brief writting what I read from the Magazine / newpappers then. It comes into my mind because of the subject- matter.
Frank Eloka
December 1, 2017 at 10:47 pm
True talk
Newmoon Aquifers Tobechukwu
December 1, 2017 at 10:30 pm
Oga, who ask you?
Obi Heart
December 1, 2017 at 10:27 pm
I wish Ojukwu will permit me to slap out stupid out of u …
Anastecia Chibunna
December 1, 2017 at 10:20 pm
Go and sit down
Elijah Orieke
December 1, 2017 at 10:10 pm
All bail Biafra
Elijah Orieke
December 1, 2017 at 10:10 pm
De don’t care
Sunday Daniel
December 1, 2017 at 10:00 pm
Thank u sir. Pls this Ghana must go contains 10bn dollars. It is your reward.
Mack Chanchin'g
December 1, 2017 at 9:53 pm
meaning what?
Helsingborg Segelino
December 1, 2017 at 9:51 pm
ANIMALS LYING AGAINST D DEAD
Nick Chuks
December 1, 2017 at 9:41 pm
Nonsense,where are u today and who u EPP
Ignatius Igidi
December 1, 2017 at 9:36 pm
But that is the truth, Ojukwu we love and revere but APGA was Chekwas innovation.
Innocent Chibuuzo Okoye
December 1, 2017 at 9:32 pm
Am off to Libya……. Make una comment biko
Andy Lasman
December 1, 2017 at 9:25 pm
ALRIGHT
Ernest Ibekwe Ugwu
December 1, 2017 at 9:24 pm
After that & sooo
Ifeanyi Elliot
December 1, 2017 at 9:22 pm
Good morning sir
Sunny Mbonu
December 1, 2017 at 9:16 pm
Who ask you?
Mathew Chijioke
December 1, 2017 at 9:14 pm
And so what
Mustapha K Yusuf
December 1, 2017 at 9:01 pm
Okay Sir
Aja Collins
December 1, 2017 at 9:00 pm
See face like dock fowl idiot
Ikem Nwoha
December 1, 2017 at 8:56 pm
We all know it
Chinonso Basil
December 1, 2017 at 8:53 pm
OK …go n carry cup
Ilemudah Alex
December 1, 2017 at 8:52 pm
Money u need,come carry one bag of money.
Bonny Rossetti
December 1, 2017 at 8:47 pm
That man is yet to recover from the anambra election result..
Obinna Obiakor
December 1, 2017 at 8:39 pm
Idiot, making noice
Icee Age
December 1, 2017 at 8:36 pm
Hmmmmmm,so wht do you need nw?!