Members of the screening committee in a group photograph with executive of Enugu APC
From Maurice Okafor, Enugu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Screening Committee for Enugu State has assured party members that it will conduct its assignment diligently and in line with the party’s guidelines and relevant laws, even as only 24 aspirants submitted nomination forms for the exercise.
The panel, headed by Comrade Lucky Porki, disclosed that only one aspirant from each of the 24 state constituencies submitted forms before the expiration of the deadline.
He stated, “The time for the submission of Expression of Interest Forms and Nomination Forms has elapsed, and we have only 24 aspirants for the 24 State Constituency seats.
“This has made our job easier because we will deal with 24 aspirants only. We will thoroughly screen them – their records and credentials – to ensure that they are qualified to serve the people of Enugu State in the capacity to which they aspire.
“Nevertheless, although only 24 aspirants indicated interest by submitting their forms, the due process for the election of candidates will still be strictly applied in accordance with the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Electoral Act, and our party’s Constitution and Guidelines,” he stated.
Porki added that the Screening Appeal Committee was already in place to handle grievances or petitions arising from the screening exercise.
“Thus, any aggrieved party member who has issues with the outcome of the screening exercise is free to approach the Screening Appeal Committee, which will commence after the screening,” he said.
The committee also commended Governor Peter Mbah, the APC leadership, and other stakeholders in the state for promoting consensus-building and unity within the party in Enugu State.
“We give credit to the leader of APC in Enugu State, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah; the State Executive Committee, particularly the Chairman, as well as stakeholders and members of our great party for the democracy, synergy, and unity in the Enugu State chapter of the party.
“We commend them for this exemplary display of consensus-building to ensure that peace and party loyalty reign supreme in the state. Indeed, we recommend the Enugu State formula to other state chapters of our party as a virtue worthy of emulation,” Comrade Porki concluded.
In his remarks, the Chairman of APC in Enugu State, Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, commended the national leadership of the party, Governor Peter Mbah, and all relevant panels for providing a level playing ground for aspirants seeking elective positions.
Other members of the Screening Committee include Barr. Mary Ejiro (Secretary), Chief Godpower Asighwu, and Hon. Juliet Amaraeghu.
The State House of Assembly Screening Appeal Committee is chaired by Dr. Dillion Oyowa, while Umokoro Enomioghene Samuel serves as Secretary and Hon. Desmond Okpako Duke as a member.
