Former Spokesman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke, has finally broken the ice on his defection rumour. The former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Etche/ Omuma Federal Constituency, said his decision to leave the APC is borne out of the fact that his ethnic nationality has been marginalized despite the huge contributions made towards the betterment of the party.
Nwuke who addressed the media in Port Harcourt, said he has always dreaded a day like this, when he would announce his exit from a party he contributed so much to build, stating that when he announced his resignation as spokeman of the party a few days ago, he never contemplated his exit.
He observed that there has been speculations about his defection and statements by some faceless individuals who have alleged that he issued demeaning statements against leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Nwuke noted that despite not being an ethnic bigot, all politics is said to be local and the interest and yearnings of his people will always override his personal desires.
He said in spite of contributing so much towards the betterment of APC, he could say that in a committee of 23 Local Government Areas, the Etche nation has remained empty and perhaps needs new developmental partners.
Nwuke wondered how Etche people can continue to sing the Lord’s song in a strange land, when the change they were promised while joining the party has remained an illusion. He further stated that going by a quote that has occupied his mind recently, which says “if a church can’t change you, then you change the church”, he has decided to take the bull by the horns.
He said being a consistent politician who has always stood by his leaders through thick and thin, right from the days he worked with Ebenezer isokariari, and later his friend Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, the Minister of Transportation, when they joined the Peoples Democratic Party, the time has come to take a bow.
Nwuke noted that his decision to leave the party was made sequel to the level of marginalization his kinsmen have suffered in APC, and due to lack of human and infrastructural development. He however opined that if the leadership of APC decides to have a rethink or a change of heart and empower the Etche nation after his exit, then it is a sacrifice well made.
He said politics is about interest and if these interests are not met then it is time to take a stand. He said he is happy that he has been able to bring about remarkable changes that had led to the party’s good fortunes in recent times which has fostered internal harmony.
Reiterating that politics is about bringing development to the place you come from, he expressed gratitude to his colleagues in the media, for their unalloyed support that enabled him succeed as the spokeman of APC.
