ALGON Rejects New Rivers PDP EXCO

Arising from the recent Abuja High Court judgement that sacked the Chief G.U Ake led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State chapter, says it will not recognise the newly inaugurated executive of the PDP in the State.

ALGON stated this last Wednesday during a press briefing addressed by the Chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Governmnet Area, Hon. Chimbiko Akarolo with 16 council chairmen in attendance.

Hon. Akarolo said: “as the third tier of government and leaders of our great party in the council areas, we shall not accept or condone any illegal executive council to be foisted upon us.”

He described the decision of an Abuja High Court as unfortunate and “bad luck” to democracy in the country, stressing that they took part and voted for the Chief Godspower Ake led executive council of the party in the State and would not do any business with any other, except one duly elected by  the accredited delegates.

The chairman said after a thorough analysis of recent political developments concerning the sustenance of democracy in the state the association resolved that there existed a calculated plan by a group of individuals to cause breakdown of law and order in Rivers State.

He allege that the plan was aimed at creating an environment to warrant the declaration of state of emergency and illegally remove the duly elected Governor of the State, Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Hon  Akarolo explained that in perfection of the plan by these disgruntled elements, Rivers State had been victimised, deprived and alienated by the Federal Government of its resources and due benefits.

The council chairman further argued that the climax of the plot was executed by the sack of the duly elected PDP State executive council and the illegal swearing in of a group that never contested election as the new executive members, relying on an Abuja High Court judgment.

On whether they would leave the PDP, the chairman said they would not abandon their house for the sake of an intruder and denied engaging in anti party activities since an earlier court judgment on the matter had not been vacated.

We declare our unflinching support for Governor Amaechi and the Chief G.U. Ake led executive council while appealing to their supporters to remain calm and law-abiding as the judgment is being contested at the High Court of Appeal.

Meanwhile, the Ake-led executive of PDP has vowed to appeal the Abuja High Court judgement.

The Publicity Secretary, Mr George Ukwoma who stated this in a press statement said the executives of the party led by Chief G. U. Ake believed strongly that when it appeals the judgement, it would get justice and regain their mandate.

According to him, “the party is one and we do hope we will come out of this strongly and remain  united as a family.”

Mr Ukwoma  described the ruling as abuse of court process and a miscarriage of justice, adding that the members of the party in the state would not accept the judgement.