.jpeg "Rivers APC conflict gets worse as Wike-backed group asks Ganduje to avoid Cole, Dakuku, and other people because of lucrative jobs.")
During the meeting with the national working committee (NWC) led by Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the national secretariat in Abuja, the group provided justifications for their positions. They argued that individuals who were loyal to Amaechi, such as the party's governorship candidate Mr Tonye Cole and Dakuku Peterside, actively worked against the success of President Tinubu during the election campaign.
Under the leadership of Chief Tony Okocha, they urged Governor Ganduje to comply with the court judgment that purportedly sanctioned the expulsion of the Amaechi-led faction from the political party.
The individuals referred to as "Watermelon," who are metaphorically described as having a "Green in the outside but Red in the inside" trait, have disassociated themselves from the APC party. Consequently, they are inherently ineligible to represent the APC Rivers in any form of public discourse, as emphasized by the statement.
We respectfully request the chairman to reject the manipulative actions of individuals who, via loud and false accusations, want to undermine the universally accepted principle that one will experience the consequences of their actions.
The individuals in question have consistently refrained from endorsing the political party and do not exhibit genuine enthusiasm in their hearts regarding President Tinubu's attainment of the presidency.
The sole legitimate group inside the APC Rivers State that is entitled to pursue recompense for the triumph of APC/Tinubu in Rivers State is the group present here.
Kindly establish communication with the individual now holding the position of the leader of the Political infantry in Rivers State, who is also serving in the Federal Cabinet.
Governor Ganduje addressed his concerns on the setbacks experienced by the party as a result of several legal disputes and internal conflicts since the 2015 election. He also conveyed his gratitude to the party's dedicated members for the success achieved by the party in the presidential election of 2023.
Restating the party's determination to regain control of Rivers state, the speaker emphasized that this objective could be accomplished through the reconciliation of party leaders and their commitment to collaborate effectively.
He stated: "Furthermore, a significant inquiry that you posed and that we must consider is the reason behind our victory in the presidential election but our defeat in the state election." You previously asserted that the event in question could be classified as a miracle. Indeed, the assertion of a miracle necessitates the existence of a messiah.
We express our gratitude for your successful election to the position. Not only do we extend our thanks, but we also offer our congratulations for your accomplishments, which have contributed to the current state of enjoyment we are experiencing.
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed's ascension to the presidency of this country would not have been possible without his successful outcome in the federal election across numerous states.
We extend our congratulations to you for that accomplishment. However, it is important to acknowledge that there exists a certain level of misunderstanding inside the party. Nonetheless, it is imperative that party members exercise caution and refrain from exerting excessive pressure on the system. Our primary objective is to maintain a strong sense of concentration, organization, and adherence to scientific principles in our political endeavors.
Consequently, it is imperative that you provide us with a conducive environment and an opportunity to appropriately align individuals with their respective roles, ensuring a harmonious fit between individuals and their assigned tasks. This will enable us to uphold the integrity and reputation of our party.
It is imperative that we make the most of our current circumstances, including the fact that we have emerged victorious in the national election held in River State. We are no longer engaging in the practice of extracting anything less. However, we kindly request an opportunity to explore the feasibility of concurrently conducting both state and national elections.
We have duly noted the receipt of your address, and the party will convene to assess the establishment of a robust party leadership structure, so facilitating progress and advancement. However, it is important to avoid causing the machine to overheat.
When the system experiences overheating, certain individuals may choose to pursue legal action, thereby perpetuating a recurring cycle of conflict. Excessive analysis is should be avoided as it can potentially result in a state of paralysis, as per the prevailing notion.
Kindly provide us with an opportunity to engage in consultation, whereupon we will thoroughly examine the constitution of the APC. Subsequently, we will patiently observe the course of action required to rectify any existing issues.