From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, in the last week has been hit by a mass resignation coming from chieftains and allies of the former Minister of Transportation and leader of the party, Chibuike Amaechi.
Latest among them was Tonye Princewill, whose resignation yesterday, came barely 48 hours after Amaechi’s former Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs Ibim Semenitari, announced her exit from the party.
Princewill, in his letter of resignation to the chairman of his ward, attributed his decision to withdraw his membership to the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket against protests by Nigerians.
“I can’t argue for equity in my state and defend inequity in my country,” he stated.
“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 (Amaechi); but, I cannot defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you.”
Also, another party stalwart and Senator Magnus Abe’s loyalist, Chidi Wihioka, his resignation from APC was made public on Monday.
Wihioka, who was the former member that represented Ikwerre/Emohua Federal Constituency, said he resigned based on the high-handedness of the leader of APC in Rivers.
Although the letter did not bear a date, he reportedly addressed it to the chairman, APC Ward 3, Elele, in Ikwerre Local Government Area (KELGA), of the state.
“My decision was taken based on the high-handedness of one man who thinks and believes that he owns the party in Rivers State and his refusal to allow peace rein in the party by giving everyone in the party equal level playing ground,” he expressed.
“I will announce my next political party when I have found a suitable political one to join.
“Nevertheless, my decision will not affect my support for the presidential candidate of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as I will always drum support for him anywhere I find myself.”
Another state lawmaker, Sam Eligwe, from Ahoada West LGA, said he joined APC in 2013, in the hopes of creating a political power that would serve the needs of his constituency.
“I envisioned a political party where all people are treated equally regardless of age, educational achievements, status, or ethnicity. I had hopes that all people would be given equal access or opportunity for political participation. Unfortunately, this was not the case and I can no longer standby and watch helplessly,” he stated.
“Since 2015, I have watched the party being run as a Fiefdom where one individual has complete control over all decisions regarding party positions, employment opportunities and contracts. This is definitely not democracy being practised.
“Therefore, due to the above-stated reasons, I hereby wish to resign forthwith, my membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”
In his reaction, state Publicity Secretary of APC, Chris Finebone, said some of the individuals that had left the party added no value to APC throughout their stay, while others wanted to “kill” the party but failed.
“There have been some movements, though I cannot term exodus because that is relative. What is important is that such a movement should be carefully appraised.
“The first individuals are those whom I can add no value to APC business while they were here. To them, we wish them well.
“However, there are also the few that have left much to our relief. These are persons leaving after a tortuous effort by them to kill APC without success. They even caused us non-appearance on the ballot in 2019.
“To the exit of these particular persons, we say good riddance because they caused the party much more harm than good. Happily, some of them are having a second thought and taking advantage of the ongoing reconciliation efforts in our party to retrace their steps.”