By Okey Maduforo Awka .
The local government primary elections of the All Progressives Grand Alliance APGA recorded major upset this Sunday when the party failed to clear five untouchable Serving Mayors who were believed to be returned ahead of the Council election this coming August.
The Mayors who had served as Transition Committee Chairmen twice a d had also served as elected Mayors are , Chief Emeka Joseph Orji of Onitsha South, Iyom Amaka Obi of Idemili South , Dr Chinueze Ofobike of Aguata local government area; the Governor’s Council Chief John Ibekwe and f Anaocha and that of Ekwusigo local government area.
They were replaced by Ifeanyi Kingsley Onuchukwu for Ekwusigo, Ezeagu Kingsley Okwey for Aguata , Iloegbunam Obichukwu for Idemili South Moufonanya Peter Paulson Ikechukwu for Onitsha South and Paulinus Nnamdi Okafor for Anaocha local government areas.
Though it is not clear why the favorites were dropped at the primary elections but a source close the party has it that they are being prepared for greater appointments after the inauguration of Governor Charles Soludo’s second term in office.
When contacted , the National Publicity Secretary of APGA Mazi Ejimofor Opara said that they are e not untouchables but that they have proved their metle in the service of the public as Mayors adding that it is not a punitive action.
Ejimofor further explained that there is the need to inject fresh tonic into local government administration in Anambra state adding that others are being given the opportunity to prove themselves in the service of the state .
“No it has nothing to do with capacity because they have proved their metle and needs to give way for others to prove themselves and that is not a punitive measure against them ”
“In terms of local government administration there is the need to inject new tonic and fresh blood into the system for effective performance”
“We salute them for their achievements while in office and the party is particularly happy with their performance after serving the state for four years or there about from Transition to elected Mayors of their respective Council Areas” he noted .
It is being touted that among the five Mayors some may be appointed into the executive of Anambra state government at different capacities.
