…As Members Leave En masse
Shock and trepidation became the order in the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC), following a wave of defection that hit the party in the past days. Like some fleeing birds, high profile members left the party with hordes of supporters, complaining among other things, ineptitude and arrogance on the part of the APC leader in the state, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, while others left the party in protest of the Muslim-Muslim ticket adopted by the Presidential flag bearer of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While the APC is contending with national crisis occasioned by the inexcusable decision of Bola Tinubu, confusion reigned down home in Rivers APC as none can tell who will be the next to leave the party. Unarguably, the APC has never seen it so, since the formation of the party in the state.
What looked like a melodrama began at the weekend when no less than six ‘big guns’ of the Rivers APC threw in their resignations letter through their respective Ward Chairmen, stating their reasons. First, it was the shocking news of the resignation of top party chieftain and the party’s former Gubernatorial Aspirant, Dr. Dawari George early Friday.
And while the dust raised by George’s defection was yet to settle, another stalwart, Hon. Millerye Boma Atiyegoba also took the party’s exit door.
In his resignation letter, Atiyegoba said: “In view of recent happenings in our Party, I do hereby tender my unreserved resignation as a member of the All Progressives Congress”.
Dawari’s resignation was preceded by that of Comrade Celestine Akpobari, the Chairman of the APC in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Amb. Marvin Yobana, another chieftain of the Party in Khana LGA was the next to resign after Celestine Akpobari. Both big guns in the past, expressed gratitude to the party hierarchy.
The Magnus Abe faction of the APC also witnessed the resignation of its Chairman, Hon. Golden Chioma.
He said in his resignation letter that he cannot remain in a political party where “one man employs the governor for the benefit of one man”.
Then came another bang with former Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Ibim Seminitari announcing her resignation. A strong ally of former governor Rotimi Amaechi and Commissioner for Information under his regime, Seminitari reportedly sent a letter to her Ward Chairman in Okrika Local Government Area, stating her resolve to quit the party.
National Network gathered that she has also notified the former Minister of Transportation and leader of the Party in the State, Amaechi, of her decision to leave the party.
Interestingly, the Commissioners who were saddled with managing the image and information of the Rivers State Government during the administration of Amaechi have left the former Minister.
Semenitari’s predecessor, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke, left the party last year and was received into the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside others, by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Political watchers posit that the future of the APC in the state looks uncertain with the continuous defection or resignation of bigwigs.
Credible sources had hinted that more prominent members were on their way to dumping the party in the coming days. Their decision to do so, were however not disclosed.
Again, the fortunes of the APC continue to pummel as two former members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Chief Friday Nkee-ee (popularly known as ‘Fenko’), and Dr. Chigbo Sam-Eligwe resigned from the party.
Nkee-ee represented Khana State Constituency 2 in the 7th Rivers State Assembly while Eligwe represented Ahoada West State Constituency.
According to a letter addressed to the APC Chairman in Ward 5, Khana Local Government Area, Nkee-ee said the APC has no value for its members.
“It is unreasonable to continue to remain in a family that does not value your person and contribution to the sustainability, stability and growth of the family,” he said.
While assuring that his next political destination would be disclosed soon, he however, said his support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains non-negotiable.
Eligwe on his part said he has watched the party being run as a fiefdom where one individual controls everything.
He said his hope of joining the party to serve the needs of his constituency has been dashed and as such, can no longer stand by and watch helplessly.
His resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman of Ahoada-West Ward 10 reads in part.
“Since 2015, I have watched the party being run like a fiefdom where one individual has complete control over all decisions regarding party positions, employment opportunities and contracts,” he said.
From Ward 12, Igwuruta Unit 004 Omuoha in Ikwerre Local Government Area, a chieftain of the APC, Emmanuel Chimenem Gilead has also thrown in his resignation.
In a letter he addressed to the party’s Ward Chairman, Gilead, in his bid to drive home his intentions, wrote in pidgin English.
Hear him: “Dear Chairman, no vex, I say make I tell you say I no dey do again. I don tuwama from un social club. I don wash my hand commot from una party. Bye bye!
More high-profile defections were reported including that of Elder Chidi Wihioka.
In the early hours of Tuesday, July 12, 2022, another chieftain of the APC in Rivers State, Prince Tonye Princewill resigned his membership of the party, saying he could not defend the decision of the APC in fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
His words, “I cannot defend the decision of my party, in fielding a Muslim-Muslim ticket, especially at a time like this, against all protestations from well meaning Nigerians, across religious and political divides. It sets a very wrong precedent; it is totally insensitive and even if you win, will prove bad for good governance. Under these dire circumstances, I find no justification to still remain, in good conscience, a member of a political party that subordinates electoral victory, over the safety of lives and the peace of mind of its citizens.”
According to him, “While I appreciate my leader Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi and all his efforts, I cannot defend the decision of my party, in fielding a Muslim Muslim ticket, especially at a time like this, against all protestations from well meaning Nigerians, across religious and political divides. It sets a very wrong precedent; it is totally insensitive and even if you win, will prove bad for good governance. Under these dire circumstances, I find no justification to still remain, in good conscience, a member of a political party that subordinates electoral victory, over the safety of lives and the peace of mind of its citizens.”
“The men and women of our party here in Rivers are the most loyal and faithful supporters I have met. They know right and they know wrong. And they know me. I enjoyed working with them and I’m so sad to leave. But an APC party that totally disregards the basics of the same equity we preach is alien to me. Buhari resisted the same temptation and chose a little known Osinbajo and won. By doing this, Tinubu is saying that a Northern Christian has no electoral value. My staying means I agree.
“I wish you well. And I remain grateful to our Leader, but I cannot defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you.”
