Factional APC Youth Wing Declares Okocha ‘New State Leader’ Over Grouse With Amaechi
The crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State deepened with a faction of the youths wing ratifying former Government House Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha as new leader of the party in the state.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Ernest Ikoli Press Center, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Assistant Director of Media, Tonye Cole Campaign Organization (TCCO), Ikenda Clinton Elechi accused former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi who is generally regarded as leader of the party in the state of alleged abdication of his position by engaging in anti-party activities.
Elechi who was accompanied to the press briefing by a handful of other APC youths leaders in the state, also alleged that the former Rivers State governor directed party members in the state to vote for the Presidential candidate of PDP, Atiku Abubakar at the February 25, 2023 election.
He said the action of the former Minister threw the party supporters into confusion with the consequent loss of National Assembly seats by the APC in the state, adding that the directive has remained active and yet to be rescinded.
His words, “It is therefore on the strength of that directive that we are gathered here to make the following declarations;
“That we are loyal members of the Party who have made huge contributions and sacrifices for the development of the Party
“That we salute Rivers people on their support towards our Presidential Candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last elections
“Similarly, that we commend the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his stance on power returning to the South after 8years of Northern rule which is in line with the dreams of our founding Fathers
“That we acknowledge the support of the Governor, his supporters and the good people of the State without whom the party would have, once again, lost the Presidential Elections in the State as was the case in previous elections”.
Describing the alleged anti-party stance of Amaechi grievous, the youths lauded the leadership role of former Government House Chief of Staff, Chief Tony Okocha in building bridges to unite party members in the state, as according to him, Amaechi had abandoned the party in the state.
“Tony Okocha is the new leader of APC in Rivers State. He has been relentless in mobilizing all members, ensuring that the party remains strong and formidable in the state”.
Recall that the former Transportation Minister had on several fora denied endorsing the Presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, even as many group in the APC had supported Amaechi’s claims, challenging his critics to prove where and when Amaechi directed supporters to vote for Atiku in the just ended Presidential election.
