The All ProgressivesCongress (APC) in Delta State has officially handed over its party machinery to the newly elected State Executive, during a ceremony held at the party’s secretariat in Asaba
At the event, the former State Chairman, elder Omeni Sobotie , formally handed over leadership to the newly elected chairman, Mr. Solomon Areyinka, expressing confidence in his capacity to sustain and strengthen the party’s structure in the state.
In his remarks, Mr. Areyinka commended Elder Sobotie for his role in ensuring a seamless transition and noted that the former chairman would continue to be consulted for his experience and guidance.
Addressing party faithful during the inaugural meeting of the newly elected state executive held immediately after the handover, Mr. Areyinka said the meeting was deliberately convened early, to familiarise members with their responsibilities and begin work, noting that the task ahead of the party was enormous.
He stated that the local government and state congresses of the party in Delta State were conducted smoothly, explaining that the consensus arrangement adopted allowed party leaders to properly consult and reach agreements, leaving no room for dissent after the exercises.
The APC chairman urged members to see themselves as one united family under the APC umbrella while supporting the leadership of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.
Mr. Areyinka also expressed confidence in the ability of the new executive to deliver on its mandate, citing the calibre of personalities in the team and the precedents already set within the party.
He further stressed the need for cooperation, loyalty, respect for party leaders and hard work, while warning members against anti-party activities. He assured that his administration would maintain an open-door policy.
The state APC chairman also directed local government party chairmen to return to their respective councils to inaugurate ward executives without delay.
Highlights of the meeting included the inauguration of the local government APC chairmen after they took the relevant oaths of office, as well as a minute of silence in honour of the late sir Benjamin Elue, a former Deputy Governor of Delta State.
Meanwhile, members of the State APC Executive Committee commended Governor Oborevwori for his role in building consensus among party leaders and ensuring that all stakeholders were carried along in the process.
Briefing newsmen, the APC State Publicity Secretary, Mr Valentine Onojeghuo noted that there was no parallel congress in Delta State, describing the APC as a formidable political structure with strong grassroots presence.
He disclosed that preparations are in top gear for the South-South Zonal Congress scheduled for March 25, with the new state executive already commencing work to ensure its success.
The briefing was attended by the members of the state working committee who reiterated their preparedness to move the party to greater heights.
NIM
