…Labels Him, ‘Enemy Of Rivers State’
The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has restated that what distinguishes it from other political parties in the state, is the fact that it does not harbour or admit persons with questionable character into its fold.
The party in a statement signed by State Publicity Secretary, Mr. Tambari Sydney Gbara, stressed that because the PDP is not desperate for membership, it admits only those with credible, verifiable background as well as individuals with high moral standing and impeccable character.
The PDP specifically named the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party where membership is so compromised that “criminals are given amnesty for joining them, no matter how corrupt or grievous their sins are, they automatically become saints”.
The statement which came on the heels of alleged remarks by a stalwart of the APC in the state, Prince Tonye Princewill, claiming that operators of illegal refineries were being wooed by Governor Wike to either join the PDP and continue in the illegal business, or face prosecution, described him as a serial liar and attention-seeker.
Stressing that the fight against illegal oil refineries and bunkering was a just course that should be supported by all men of good conscience and judgement, the party explained that Black Soot is caused by incomplete combustion of hydro-carbon as a result of illegally refined petroleum products.
“The health hazards associated with this activity do not only affect PDP members, but everyone living and doing business here. Medical reports have shownthat these activities have contributed largely to an increase in respiratory health cases in the state, especially among under aged children”, the party stated.
It said the war against illegal bunkering does not have any political coloration, noting that aside its health implications, its operators are economic saboteurs whose activities are inimical to the economy and must be discouraged by all means.
“Illegal refining of petroleum products is taking away the lives and livelihood of our people, therefore anyone including Tonye Princewill who, rather than applaud Governor Wike who has decided to take the bull by the horn, by confronting this menace to secure environment and the health of the people, is making irrational and baseless statements, has exposed himself as a collaborator and beneficiary of this heinous crime against humanity.
“He should therefore be declared an enemy of the State, treated as such and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“Tonye Princewill is an attention-seeker, obviously playing to the gallery to attract the attention and blessing of his principal for a governorship ticket in his drowning party. He should be sincere enough to furnish the public with answers to these pertinent questions: Why is he crying wolf that Governor Wike is stopping illegal refineries if the action of the governor is not affecting his line of business? Since he is in touch with those in the business, why has he not submitted their names to security agencies in the state as directed by the governor?
“Finally, can he also make public the names of those he claimed were wooed by the present administration to join the PDP and remain in business or otherwise and face prosecution”, the PDP queried.
Urging Rivers people to disregard Princewill’s “ignorable, offensive and highly provocative rantings” and continue to support the present administration in their fight to put an end to the menace of illegal oil refineries in the State, the PDP restated that critics of Governor Wike were envious of his good works which has made the party more popular and acceptable at the grassroots, resulting in the influx of notable members of the APC.
“For the records, on the 7th of February, 2022, the State Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Desmond Akawor played host to some leaders of the APC from Obio/Akpor led by Hon. Friday Kinikanwo Owhor, former State Treasurer of APC who visited to announce their desire to resign membership of APC to PDP. These have been the trend in the state, including close associates of Rotimi Amaechi like Dr. Sampson Parker, his former personal physician, just to mention a few”, the PDP stated.
The PDP expressed surprise that as the son of a revered monarch, Princewill was expected to be unguarded by morality and good sense of judgement, by standing on the side of truth and do away with avarice, petty jealousy, blackmail, flippancy and unguided utterances capable of misleading the people, just to score cheap political points.
“As a matter of fact, he should tender an unreserved apology to Rivers people for his unstatesmant like utterances knowing fully well that the fight against Illegal oil refineries and bunkering is well intended, in good faith for the good interest of the people.
“No act of sabotage or seeming attempts in any guise to either mislead the people or frustrate the effort of Governor Wike will succeed. We all know false alarm to be the hallmark of detractors like Tonye Princewill who has nothing to offer”, the party posited.
