As Amaechi’s Men Leave APC, Dakuku Vows To Stay On
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A former governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside has vowed not to abandon the APC and the former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, even though his close allies are leaving the party in droves.
Dakuku said in an interview with TNN over the telephone on Tuesday that even though he was not too shocked at the level of defections from the party in Rivers State, it was necessary for the leadership to make haste and find out what must have gone wrong.
In the last one week, some key members of the APC have left the party. Among them is a former chairman of the reconciliation committee of the party, Dr Dawari George.
Shortly after his exit from the party came the announcement by Golden Chioma resigned from the party.
Chioma, during an exclusive interview in a Port Harcourt based radio station said he had lost interest in APC in the state and planned to pitch his tent with another political party.
“I have resigned my membership of APC in the State. The party is not making any headway, and I’m no more interested in the party. I will soon announce the name of my new party”.
However, Chioma did not announce the political party he would be joining next.
Another shocking defection came from Mrs Ibim Seminatari, a former managing director of the NDDC and former ally of Amaechi.
And on Tuesday, Mr Tonye Princewill also left the party, citing the decision of his party to fly a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket.
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He said “I can’t argue for equity in my state and defend inequity in my country. 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 can not defend the indefensible. And to be totally honest, neither should you.”
But Dakuku told TNN that he would not join the league of defectors. According to him, more defections should be expected from both the PDP and the APC. He said what was happening was not too strange.
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