Adams Oshiomole, the former national chairman of the APC, and Dave Umahi, the governor of Ebonyi State, have been sought for suspension for alleged “anti-party activities” by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State.
When they visited Rivers State at Governor Nyesom Wike’s invitation to commission certain projects, the party charged the party veterans with engaging in anti-party actions.
The pair had previously stated when they commissioned the projects that they would not be running for governor of Rivers State in the APC..
On the 16th of November, 2022 Oshiomole while commissioning the Rumuepirikorm-Ada George Fly-over said ‘‘I have seen the reason why Governor Wike used to win APC in Rivers State. Wike has very strong and energetic youths he is working with, which he used to win my party. Wike will you permit me to go with some of them from Rivers State to Edo State.’’
On the 22nd of November, 2022, Governor Umahi while commissioning the Akpabu-Omudioga-Egbeda road was quoted as saying ‘‘Governor Wike you have tried so much, the only day you will see me in Rivers State campaigning is the day we will come here for the Presidential Campaign, apart from that, you will not see me again because all other positions, you will win.’’
In a protest letter dated Nov.23 2022 and addressed to the National Chairman of the APC, Adamu Abdullahi, the Rivers State chairman of the APC, Emeka Beke said the party has become a laughing stock in the state following the activities of those he described as disgruntled party leaders whom anti-party activities run in their veins.
The APC state chairman said it was disheartening that any time these leaders of the party visit Rivers State, they openly make “scandalous remarks”, thereby demoralizing the spirited and concerted effort of APC members in Rivers State, all in an attempt to please Governor Wike.
In the letter, Beke called for sanctions against the two party leaders saying members of the party in Rivers State are no longer happy with the said anti-party activities.
The letter read in parts; “With respect to the complaints stated above, we demand as follows;
1. An unreserved public apology from H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi on a live television programme within seven days.
“2. A warning or alternatively suspension letter on H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi for anti-party activities.
“3. A directive attached with a sanction, that henceforth, anybody coming to Rivers State on the invitation of Governor Wike should stop talking trash and campaigning against candidates of APC in Rivers State.
“Conclusively Sir, we wish to let you know, that if this matter is not properly handled and our positions above granted and implemented, we will resort to taking our destinies by our hands. Remember, we are not restricted from visiting Edo and Ebonyi States to reply H.E Adams Oshiomole and H.E Dave Umahi while also romancing with the opposition”.
