APC Targets Over 350,000 In OBALGA …As Okocha Calls For Extension Of Exercise

L-R: Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon Victoria Nyeche., Vice Chairman, Etche Local Government Area, Hon Sonye Onyesoh and Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Mrs Joeba West at a meeting of female political office holders and wives of political office holders in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo Chris Monyanaga

Despite frantic attempts by some hoodlums to disrupt the ongoing All Progressives Congress (APC) membership registration exercise in Rivers State, the Chief of Staff Government House, Sir Tony Okocha says the party has recorded massive membership registration and targets over 350,00 in Obio/Akpor alone.
Sir Okocha told newsmen shortly after registering at Ward 12, Rumumoi yesterday in Obio/Akpor, which is supposedly the stronghold of the Supervising Minister of Education, Nyesom Wike, that the ruling party had lost ground.
In his words: “So far, the exercise is a success and this is an indication that the people have embraced change. Change is very difficult thing to attune, especially when you are on the other side. But naturally, what we know is that change must necessarily come. It is the only thing that is permanent.’’
He further explained that out of the 490,000 registered voters in Obio/Akpor, “I am very sure that two-third of those who will be voting will be voting APC’’.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, who was visibly impressed with the exercise so far, however, called for extension of the exercise, saying five days was not sufficient to cover the teeming supporters who wish to join the party.
“The process involves a lot of documentation. So, for me, five days is grossly inadequate to capture those on ground. It is inadequate to capture the number of people who support APC and support change in the state’’, Okocha said, as he noted that such extension will depend on party decision.
The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt while carpeting the opposition for attacking APC members during the membership registration in Degema, Gokana and some parts of Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas, described the thugs as desperate.
According to him, “This is to show to the world that Nigerians have been preaching for a better government, a leadership that is people-oriented and because what they have on ground now must not in any way represent that, then there is curiosity and need for change’’.
He, therefore, urged party faithful not to be intimidated by the opposition, adding that, “APC is a party to beat in the country currently.’’
Also, former Caretaker Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Chikordi Dike commended APC faithful in Ogbogoro Ward 16, Obio/Akpor for their steadfastness and peaceful disposition after some hoodlums attacked some members to disrupt the ongoing registration exercise.
Dike assured that change was underway and would come to stay.
“We need to embrace change because for many years, we have been in bondage, but thank God today, Chibuike Amaechi’s government has given us liberation”, Dike said.