Rivers ACN Crisis Deepens

All may not have been heard about the deepening crisis now rocking the leadership of the Action Congress of Nigerian (ACN) in Rivers State as the purportedly suspended chairman of the party , Bar Uche Okwukwu insists that he remains the chairman of the party in the state.

Okwukwu in a telephone chat with The Tide yesterday said that Mr Jerry Needam who purportedly signed the suspension notice is not a member of the ACN and has no right to sign a letter suspending him and five others.

Okwukwu who explained why he called for the support of Governor Chibuike Amaechi prior to the governorship elections in the state, said he knew that the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate would emerge  victorious following his achievements in office during his first term.

The embattled chairman and three other executive members of the party have also congratulated Governor Amaechi on his victory at the polls, stating that the people of the state had spoken through their votes on April 26, 2011

The statement signed by Bar Uche Okwukwu and three other executive members of the party who were allegedly suspended said the ACN had accepted the results of the governorship polls in the state.

The statement signed by Okwukwu, Emen Ibia Awike, Secretary,  Ogboribu Erekosima and Hon Timothy, T Amadi,  urged the ACN defeated candidates to accept the results of the elections, noting that they, however, still reserved the right to go to court if they wished.

According to him, ‘ we urge all politicians, irrespective of party affiliation and loyalties to put Rivers State first and join hands with Governor Amaechi to continue in his efforts to boost the development profile of Rivers State and to create the  necessary peaceful environment for industries, trade and commerce to thrive.

“The is  the time for Rivers people to put the past behind and forge ahead under the leadership of Governor Amaechi to reclaim our common and manifest destiny of being the most prosperous state in Nigeria,” the statement stated.

The statement also said that the just-concluded polls presented a unique opportunity for members of the political class to bury their destructive and deleterious bickerings that characterised the state politics throughout the last four years, in the interest of the people.

“Election is not by winning but in believing in purposeful and responsive governance to the people, the statement said.

Okwukwu however, commended the electorate for their wise decision in electing the candidate of their choice to govern Rivers State for the next four years, stating that they would continue to do the duty of presenting a constructive responsive, and  purpose-driven opposition to the government.