The former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dakuku Peterside, has reacted to the gale of exit of some members from the party in the state.
He said it is time to rebuild the party and work towards a viable structure to win the 2023 general elections in the state.
Reacting to resignations by Senator Magnus Abe, Tonye Princewill and other top-ranking members, Peterside, in a statement on Thursday, said he would remain in the party despite recent developments.
He said, “Change is the only permanent feature in life. Our doors remain open to them should they decide to return.
“Let me advise my party members to respect the choices people make for therein lies our humanity. Lack of respect for individual choices has, in the recent past, contributed to the tension we face as a people from time to time. People resign or defect for different reasons.
“I personally respect their choices, same way I expect them to respect our own choice to remain. Remaining or leaving the party does not in any way confer moral superiority on any of us, nor does it make us more or less patriotic. Our state needs all men of goodwill who are builders and not destroyers, irrespective of party differences.”
The former NIMASA boss, therefore, appealed to members to unite to rebuild the party structure in the state, as according to him, means doing things differently and in a more definite manner.
“Now that we have lost some of our comrades to other endeavors, it is time we pull together to rebuild the party, draw new strength and march towards our desired destination.
“That way, some of our party members that left will see reasons to come back and be part of the redemption mission in the state. It is a fact that the strength and acceptability of our party cannot be measured by temporary setbacks. Our grassroots support is massive and remains unshaken.
“Majority of party members have confidence in the leadership and have remained steadfast knowing that the future is bright. Our leader, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has taken a number of steps to steer the party in a more proactive direction. My least expectation is that other leaders rally around him. I am personally committed to this rebuilding process.
“I acknowledge the fact that it will entail some sacrifice and inconvenience but surgery for your own good comes with a certain degree of pain.
“It will require humility to listen to one another and understand the perspective of others. However, we can never remove our eyes from the ball.”
