Despite threats from Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State that the Ogbonnaya Onu backed faction of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Ebonyi State will not hold its planned rally in the State, the rally went on as scheduled with top party chieftains in attendance.
Umahi had turned down the request of the faction to make use of the Township Stadium, Abakaliki for the rally.
But the APC chieftains were undettered with the Governor’s threat as the rally took place as scheduled.
National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomole called on Umahi to tender an unreserved apology for denying the party the use of the Abakaliki township stadium for their rally in the State.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, top APC chieftains, Emma Eneukwu, George Moghalu among others were in attendance.
Oshiomole in his speech said the Governor overused his powers, revealing that he felt bad when he learnt that Governor who is a friend of his could deny the party the use of the township stadium.
He said: “When the people are determined, no obstacle will stop them. I hope he will apologize to his people for denying them access to the stadium.
“I was governor before, I allowed PDP access to the stadium as many times as they wanted. It is just about being civilized. And any time, the President is coming to the state, I rolled red carpet to receive him even when I will abuse the party the following day. Assuming that everybody matters is a hallmark of leadership.
“When you refuse to display power, when everybody knows you have it, you even become more powerful. When you abuse power, you simply become so small and so powerless. Let me say this, two weeks ago we were in Ekiti and that was my first question paper after my election.
“My dear friend there. He is even my aboromi (younger friend), Fayose said he is a rock. If he falls on you he will crush you and if you fall on him you get crushed. Now, within 24hours, he was on the ground crying. I said, no, why should you cry? I was to travel to Ekiti, but PDP government stopped me.
“But with my PVC, we destroyed them out of power. They should learn lessons from that. He who abuse power, abuse will await him. What I want to tell my friend is that the stadium belongs to the people, the governor is the manager of this public facility. The Manager does not drive away the shareholders.
“You are the shareholders and I don’t want to say more than that. But if I’m pushed I will ask the people question. If we were to take it in other level and the federal government decides that the Governor should not drive on the federal government roads, what happens? Somebody said he will fly. What if we stopped him from flying through federal government airport? What happens?” He stated.
The highlight of the event was the defection of Sunny Ogbuoji who represents Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, Former Secretary to the Government of Ebonyi State, Prof Bernard Odoh, former minister of power and steal Chief Goddy Ogbaga, former speaker of Ebonyi State house of Assembly, Chief Augustine Nwankwoagu, among others.
Minister of science and technology Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu said that South-east must be in the mainstream of Nigerian politics.
“Let me warn that if every member of APC in Ebonyi will get their PVC, it means that APC is wining the 2019 election in Ebonyi,” he added.
Senator Ogbuoji, who responded on behalf of the defectors said APC in Ebonyi had no faction but called on some people whom he described as aggrieved members to comeback.
“I feel bad that some of our members who feel aggrieved are not here, but as far as I’m concerned, there is no faction in APC in Ebonyi,” he added.
