YPP inaugurates interim executive committee in Ebonyi

The Young Progressive Party (YPP), Ebonyi chapter, has inaugurated a 21-member interim State Executive Committee (SEC) to run the affairs of the party for the next six months.

The committee led by Mercy Nwaogbala was inaugurated in Abakaliki after approval by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

Sunday Opoke, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the state in the 2023 governorship election, who doubles as the YPP leader in the state, advised officials to view their appointments as a call to service.

Opoke advised the committee members to put aside their personal interests and work towards achieving the common goal of the party, including making the YPP a vibrant opposition that will take power in 2027.

He also advised officials to avoid any attempt to engage in anti-party activities.

“Such actions will not be tolerated as they constitute a serious violation of the party’s statute.”

He stressed that the party must develop a strategy for assuming power to provide credible leadership to the Ebonyi people.

He said: “If you have to take power, you have to develop a strategy; you have to be dynamic and play with all your intelligence.

“Getting power is not easy, but it becomes easy when people are committed to the cause.

“I believe that the men gathered here are committed and will lead Ebonyi through the YPP in 2027. We’re not saying this to impress you; we already know that they have problems here and there.

“The reason we try to address leadership issues early enough is so that we don’t act like them, because we want to make sure that when people come to us, they do it because we are mature.

“When they come to us, they do so because we are capable, we have the potential and the ability to take power.

“So if we do not express such a capacity, then we do not conduct party business; therefore, since you were sworn in today, to whom much has been given, from you much is expected.”

Opoke pledged the members’ support and loyalty to the new leadership, calling on them to continue to engage in their new roles.

Meanwhile, Mrs Nwogbala, in a speech on behalf of the SEC members, pledged to take the party to greater heights while appealing for support and solidarity to enable the commission succeed.

She stressed that it is the duty of the opposition party to ensure that the ruling party, through a constructive and strong opposition, ensures good and credible governance based on democratic principles.

She stated that the YPP, under her supervision, would not act to the detriment of the ruling party in the state but would act as a watchdog to ensure that the government always respected the principles of natural justice and rule of law.

Mrs. Nwogbala, while appraising the performance of the state administration led by Governor Francis Nwifuru, appreciated the governor for many achievements during his one-year tenure.

However, she appealed to the governor to pay attention to grassroots social and infrastructure initiatives, as well as to create employment opportunities for the youth.

“As chairman of this party, I will ensure that I and my team develop the party to the best of our ability.

“I will do everything in my power to ensure that YPP produces the next governor of the state in 2027. All we ask for is your support and solidarity.

“We, as the opposition, will not engage in unnecessary criticism of the ruling party but will constantly play a watchdog role to keep it ready to offer good governance and credible leadership.

“Many youngsters who have completed various degrees are involved in commercial riding of motorcycles and three-wheelers. This needs to be addressed,” Ms Nwogbala said.

(NAN)