Former Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Samuel Nwanosike, has commented on the political dynamics within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, particularly concerning a governor’s decision to switch parties. He highlighted the critical role the state has played in the party’s resilience during challenging times.
He argued that the PDP’s strength in Rivers State has been vital for the party, especially during periods of crisis when the national political landscape and security forces seemed to oppose them. He emphasized the importance of unity and loyalty among party members, noting that the governor of Rivers State, along with other party members, had once resolutely defended their political stance and chosen party affiliation in the face of adversity.
He pointed out that if a governor decides to leave for another political party, it is unfair to disregard the efforts and loyalty of other party members who have remained steadfast. Nwanosike underscored that the decision of a single individual, even a governor, should not negate the collective commitment and choice of the party’s faithful members, expressing that they should not feel abandoned or pressured into drastic actions like “committing suicide” over such political moves.
He said in an interview with TVC from 4:03, “A governor that made up his mind to go to another political party and that you are appealing with him not to go, that’s why you should wish away other members of the party that you know. The PDP stronghold is in River State. This same venue was where we conducted a national convention when we had a crisis, when the entire nation came against us, when the security apparatus came against us.
It was the governor of River State who stood his ground, and members of the People’s Democratic Party stood their ground. And we said, this is what we want as politicians; this is the party we want to belong to. So if the man we have voted for as governor says he doesn’t want to see us, we cannot go and commit suicide.”….Vïêw–Môrê