Success Nwanedo
The past few days have heralded the resignation of some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State.
Some of which include a former member of the State House of Assembly, Golden Chioma; a former member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Dawari George; a former acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dame Ibim Semenitari among others.
Announcing his resignation on Monday, a former member representing Ikwerre/Emuoha Federal Constituency of Rivers State, Elder Chidi Wihioka, cited the high-handedness of the party leadership in the state.
In his letter, Wihioka, an ally of Magnus Abe, said his decision will not affect his support for the presidential candidate of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A few hours after his resignation, a former member of the State House of Assembly, Dr. Chigbo Sam Eligwe, announced his decision to leave the party.
Stating a similar feature as others, Eligwe, who stated that he joined the party in 2013, said he could no longer stay in a party that treats members with contempt.
His letter reads in part, “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.
“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 practiced.
“Therefore, due to the above-stated reasons, I hereby wish to resign forthwith, my membership of the All Progressives Congress, [APC].
“Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.”
There are indications that there has been a swing in the political mood among members of the party since the nomination of Arc. Tonye Cole as the governorship candidate of APC.
Some members have also claimed that Cole was allegedly “imposed” on the party by its principal, former minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
It is believed that aggrieved members have refused to sweep the matter under the carpet, which has led to the ongoing string of resignation of some top members of the party in the state.
