A socio-political organization, the Enugu Patriots has passed damning verdict on Governor Sullivan Chime and the members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, accusing both parties of engaging in corrupt practices.

The group’s position came sequel to a face-off between Chime and the lawmakers.

In a communique issued at the end of its meeting, the Enugu Patriots described the imbroglio as unfortunate, insisting that “both part parties are enriching themselves in corruption”.

This is also as they chided the APC guber candidate in the April 11 election in Enugu State, Barr. Okey Ezea for resorting to the media in handling some internal rifts in the party.

The communique signed by Hon. Vincent Anidiobu, and Chief Vitalis Ani, the coordinator and the secretary of the group, respectively, read:

“Elders and Stakeholders from all parts of Enugu State of Nigeria under the platform of ‘Enugu Patriots’ assembled at the State Capital, Enugu, to review political developments in the Coal City State.

“Stakeholders deliberated extensively on critical issues of state importance and made proposals on the way forward, aimed at bringing about meaningful development, peace, harmony and prosperity in the State. At the end of deliberations, participants arrived at the following:

“Enugu Patriots congratulates the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari on his well-deserved victory at the polls and urged him to see the entire Nigeria as his constituency.

“Stakeholders critically reviewed the lingering impasse between the State Governor, Chief Sullivan Chime and the State Assembly and see it as unfortunate. Participants however, are of the view that it is an act of God, as the both parties are guilty. On the issue of corrupt enrichment, both parties have been protecting themselves in corruption. Enugu citizens must rise up to demand for accountability from Governor Sullivan Chime and the Speaker, Mr. Eugene Odo, as well as other members of the present state Assembly.
Stakeholders recall that the Speaker, Eugene Odo, former Chief of Staff, Ifeoma Nwobodo and others have cases to answer before the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission-ICPC, and wondered why the Commission has not taken the matter forward.

“Participants stated that Enugu state has always worked with the Party at the center and does not wish to be in opposition for long. Now that power is about to change hands from the PDP to the APC at the center, deliberate steps should be taken to realign the state to the Party at the center, in order not to deprive the state of developmental projects and key appointments from the central (Federal) Government.

“Enugu Patriots condemn in strong terms the recent media reports quoting the Enugu State APC Gubernatorial candidate, Chief Okey Ezea as alleging that the South East National Vice Chairman of the Party, Chief Emma Enukwu slapped him. Our investigations reveal that the incident was blown out of proportion. Enugu patriots also discovered that the leadership of the party, including the South East leader, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had warned all present at the meeting not to take the report of the misunderstanding out, describing it as a family matter. In disobedience to the directive, Chief Okey Ezea went to press. Enugu Patriots therefore call on Chief Ezea to tender an unreserved apology to Chief Enukwu, the State chapter of APC, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and the entire APC family for the embarrassment his action may have caused them”.

It added that “stakeholders are presently screening and reviewing the credentials of all the candidates that have indicated interest to be nominated/appointed Ministers to represent Enugu State in the General Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration. Their strengths and weaknesses are also being put into consideration. The unnecessary desperation in pursuit of appointments in the state is totally condemnable.

“That our ideal candidate shall be one that is technically competent, with proven track records and of proven integrity, whose loyalty to the Party is not in doubt. He/she must also be neutral and not involved in the present battle for relevance and control in the state. The candidate must be such that shall have the capacity and ability to reconcile all the warring factions in the Party and reunite/reposition the Party in the state. The outcome of the Screening exercise shall be made public soon.

“Stakeholders unanimously agreed on the need to rebuild, restructure and reposition the Enugu state chapter of the APC, with the view to preparing it for the challenges ahead, while ensuring credible and harmonious leadership in the party.

“Stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with the management of funds made available for the 2015 general elections and demand for accountability from those that handled the funds. There is therefore need for an audit into the receipt and management of funds received by the gubernatorial candidate, Chief Okey Ezea, during the polls.

“Stakeholders were unanimous in expressing dissatisfaction with the abysmal outing of the Party in the State at the 2015 polls. They however passed a vote of no confidence on the present leadership of the Party in the State and called for immediate change in the leadership structure”.