20/05/2024
CLUB 17
State Caucus and LGA Chairmen Meeting
**Date:** 15 May 2024
**Venue:** State Office, Daman Plaza, Express Junction, Umuahia
1. The meeting, originally scheduled for 12:00 noon, was opened at 12:15 PM with a prayer by Hon. Ndukwe Okereke.
2. **Chairman's Opening Remarks:**
Chief George Nnanna Kalu, Chairman of Club 17 and presiding officer, began with an overview of the Club’s activities since its inception. He recounted the formation of Club 17 and its recognition by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu during the launch of the PISE P Project. The Chairman highlighted Mr. Ibuchim’s crucial contributions, driven by his passion for the Association, and underscored his importance to its development as a close ally of the Principal.
Chief Kalu mentioned the benefits from the courtesy visit to Chief Ako Davies Obioma, including the office complex. He described the successful zonal inaugurations, particularly noting challenges in Abia North. He reflected on the political challenges faced by the Club and expressed gratitude for the ability to overcome these obstacles. The Chairman advised members against holding unsanctioned meetings and thanked everyone for their efforts during the Deputy Speaker's visit, emphasizing the need for caution to ensure the Club's success.
He criticized LGA chairmen for instigating unjustified agitations during the Deputy Speaker's visit and highlighted concerns in Umuahia South and Isiala Ngwa North regarding leadership and political party affiliations. Chief Kalu condemned the act of bringing unauthorized individuals into the state caucus for financial gain and stressed the need to clarify state caucus membership.
The Chairman explained that a meeting in Aba resolved to maintain continuity by retaining the positions of Chairman, Secretary, and Deputy Chairman. It was agreed that the 5-man ward executive and a Peace Marshal would be appointed, with specific qualifications for the Peace Marshal, including age and consultation with LGA leadership.
He stressed financial commitment as a criterion for state caucus membership and provided geopolitical distributions of state offices to zones, instructing them to return filled lists within a week. Members not accommodated in the state caucus would be assigned to committees. The Chairman announced the provision for three Patrons per zone, with Chief Ako Obioma presiding, and informed the house of Chief Obioma’s financial support for the Association’s CAC registration.
**Reactions:**
High Chief Slyvanus Nwanji inquired about the committee responsible for zoning positions. The Chairman explained that they followed the existing APC constitution and sought advice from leaders to reduce disputes. He welcomed the formation of a committee if members were dissatisfied with the current arrangement.
High Chief Nwanji objected to the zoning of the Publicity Secretary position, which was then swapped with the position of Physically Disabled Chairman, to the satisfaction of the house.
**AOB:**
Chief Slyvanus Nwanji urged members to disregard incidents at Sunflower Hotels, the venue of their meeting with the Deputy Speaker.
Chief Daniel Okereke moved for adjournment, supported by Chief Eze Nwanganga, who also advised informing members of the meeting's decisions.
Chief Ndubisi Emeh thanked Ikwuano stakeholders for securing a suitable office complex for the Association.
The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance and acknowledged those who had contacted him about their inability to attend.
The meeting concluded at 2:06 PM with a closing prayer by Hon. B. I. Onwukwe.
