By Austin Ogwuda, Asaba

COMMOTION broke out yesterday morning in Asaba, Delta State capital following the disruption of the intended inauguration of the Interim Committee of the All Progress Party (APC) in the State.

Although the disruption was peaceful, but the former Chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh who led the peaceful protest ensured that the inauguration was not carried out as scores of former ACN members were shouting on top of their voices that they were being schemed out.

Grand Hotel, venue for the intended inauguration was charged as more security men were drafted to ensure that the situation was not out of control.

Speaking to newsmen, Chief Adolor Okotie-Eboh said, “you can see for yourselves that people are concerned because of the lopsided number given to the Interim group from Democratic People’s Party DPP, who are not members of Legacy group which we are against.

“I am not satisfied with the list of those to be sworn in;   the reason is that the list has not been approved by the national body of APC in accordance with the guideline. That is what we are protesting. We look forward to the national body to look into the protest that we have already made to them to resolve the issue at stake with equity and fairness in mind”, he stated.

Some of the notable members of the party that had gathered for the inauguration before the disruption were Senator Spanner Okpozo, Chief Ovie Okokori, Temi Harriman, Felelis Tilije and a former chieftain of DPP, Mr. Olisaemeka Akamukali who was flaunting the said list which was scuttled.

At the end of the commotion, the election on interim officers of the state executive of the party proceeded on the arrival of Chief Tom Ikimi, the National Vice-Chairman, South-South. Before then, Ikimi it was learnt had insisted that he would not come until peace was guaranteed at the venue.

The delegates who voted were serving and former elected public office holders in the party and officers of the four  legacy parties that formed the APC in Delta State and party elders including former Senator Francis Okpozo, former Deputy Inspector General DIG Donald Ugbaja, former union leader Chief Frank Kokori among others.

At the end of the voting, the following were elected as interim officers of the party.

Rev. Jones Erue — Interim Chairman, Mr. Chidi Okonji — Interim Secretary, Mr. Akpodafe Edewor — Interim Treasurer, Mr. Precious Enweayoi — Interim Publicity Secretary, Hon. Harvest Igben — Interim Organising Secretary.