Amaechi’s deputy Ikuru defects to PDP

Rivers State Deputy Governor Tele Ikuru has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Ikuru declared his defection yesterday, six days to the general elections.

In a statement titled “A call on the conscience of the people of Rivers State”, the deputy governor said: “Ever since, as the true nature and motives of APC are unveiled, I have continued to twist and turn in extreme mental and emotional agony.

“The more I struggle to belong, the more the Rivers man in me rejects the APC.”

He described the APC as a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists.

Ikuru said his decision was centred on the fact that he would not want to be listed as part of a generation that would witch hunt and hound down the very first ever President from the region, apparently referring to the incumbent President seeking re-election in the presidential election that will hold on March 28.

“I wash my hands of this treachery and in the light of the above, I wish to urge all my supporters, the good people of Rivers State to join hands with other well-meaning Nigerians to massively vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and the Transformation Agenda that has brought so much relief and succour to the greatest number of Nigerians.

“I also urge all Rivers people to vote for Chief Nyesom Wike (CON), who has shown by his antecedents, track records and boundless capabilities that he will deliver good governance to the people of Rivers State.”

Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday said Ikuru has chosen a dishonourable path of bare-faced lies, with his defection.

Speaking through the Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, Amaechi noted that the deputy governor had all along been romancing with the PDP, and he was not surprised with the latest development.

Amaechi said: “Governor Amaechi, only this (yesterday) evening, received the news of the resignation of his Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, from the APC. While the news remains unofficial at this time, as the Deputy Governor is yet to notify His Excellency, the Governor, of this move. Governor Amaechi, however, wishes Engr. Ikuru all the best in his future political endeavours.

“He (Amaechi), however, wishes to note that the reasons adduced by Engr. Ikuru are shocking, as Deputy Governor lkuru has consistently been the one driving political activities in his local government area of Andoni and has been the second-in-command, driving politics and governance in Rivers State. On a personal note, Governor Amaechi has accorded Engr. Ikuru all the privileges and respect due the office of the Deputy Governor and has treated him with love as a friend brother.

“Though the governor had hoped that the numerous rumours of Engr. Ikuru’s double-faced membership of the APC and open romance with the PDP were not true. He (Amaechi), however, appreciates the fact that every individual has a right to pursue his political dreams, as he deems most appropriate. It is, however, regrettable that Engr. Ikuru has chosen the dishonourable path of bare faced lies, retracing his steps to and name calling, rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.”

Ikuru was deputy for five months to a former Rivers governor, Sir Celestine Omehia, who was sacked on October 25, 2007 by the Supreme Court in a landmark judgment. Amaechi was inaugurated as governor the next day.

Amaechi, however, decided to retain Ikuru as his deputy and he recently commended him in public for being very loyal, stressing that his support and loyalty made him not to watch his back during the July 9, 2013 crisis in the Rivers House of Assembly. He expressed optimism that his deputy would not betray him.

The defecting deputy governor hails from coastal Ikuru in Andoni Local Government Area, the hometown of his uncle, political mentor and benefactor, Prince Uche Secondus, the Deputy National Chairman of the PDP.