By JOEL ANEKWE, Port Harcourt
As the crisis in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Rivers State chapter continues to widen, the Forum of LGA Party Chairmen have pledged their loyalty to the leader of the party in the state and Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, and party chairman, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.
Rising from a meeting on Wednesday, the forum in an 8-point communique said they “individually and collectively pledge our unflinching and unalloyed loyalty to the party”.
They said this was in furtherance of efforts to reposition the party and make it a formidable brand for the purpose of winning the 2019 elections and beyond.
The communique which was signed by all the 23 members of the forum condemned what it described as “the unbecoming behaviour and tendencies by some of our leaders and members who are exhibiting unbridled and ambition-driven disobedience to the collective decision to rebuild/reposition the party before anything else”.
They made a particular mention of the activities of members of a nebulous group called M30 who had recently announced themselves to be APC stakeholders, and vehemently condemned such activities.
“We are critical stakeholders of our party that cannot be excluded from important decisions like endorsement of a governorship candidate in the state. Therefore, any such endorsements are null and void.
“Whereas we recognise the freedom of our party men and women to pursue our different ambitions and preferences, all such pursuits and endeavours must conform to laid-down party rules, regulations and directives”, the forum stated.
They added; “We make bold to kindly appeal to distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe to rein in his supporters who are displaying uncontrollable impudence, insult and outright disobedience to the party’s constituted authority.
“We harbour no doubts at all that our party will continue to extend unfettered and equal playing field to all members on all matters. We will continue to encourage and stand by our leader, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as he leads us through the onerous task of building the party first as a party of order and rules, and one that adheres to its constitution and laws of the land.
Whereas we are not in doubt that our party will justly and fairly reward faithful members, however, we urge the leadership of the party not to hesitate in taking firm disciplinary measures against all forms of indiscipline, irrespective of the status of anyone or group involved.”