By Emeka Samuel
Former chapter chairmen of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected with over 20,000 members of the party to the Peoples Democratic Party on Monday, have raised alarm over threats to their lives.
The former chapter chairmen who spoke through their former chairman of chairmen, Mr Joseph Amah said they and other decampees were molested yesterday, on their way back from the rally by hoodlums alledgedly sponsored by the APC.
In a press conference in Uyo on Tuesday by former state, chapter and ward officers of the APC, the former party chiefs who recently transfered their support base to Governor Udom Emmanuel said the former chapter chairmen of Nsit Atai, Eket, Ikot Ekpene and other former APC stalwarts were harrassed and intimidated.
“Our members in their thousand trooped out and colourfully celebrated their freedom from political oppressions and unending impunity, as practiced in the APC. Thereafter, as our people were heading home joyously to share the goodnews of redemption with their kith and kin, they were molested on the road by hoodlums sponsored by the APC”.
“In Nsit Atai, the former chapter chairman’s vehicle was attacked and his tyres destroyed, in Ibesikpo Asutan, Eket and Ikot Ekpene, the former APC stalwarts were harrassed and intimidated. This ugly situation is most reprehensible and must be totally condemned”.
“This press conference is to alert the entire public that if anything bad happens to us, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Obong Nsima Ekere, Uyo Nathaniel and Chief Sunny Ibanga should be held responsible. Having not yielded to their pressures to remain in their evil political coven, they have resorted to threats and violence. In the days ahead, we will expose the contents of the play book of the APC and how they hope to overrun the state with federal might”. The statement read
Amah said their suspicion and the names mentioned were based on earlier moves, threats and phone calls to prevent them from defecting from the APC, having been tired of “the systematic deceit, strategic economic demobilization and share lack of focus by the leadership of the APC”.
“”Prior to yesterday’s event, there were spirited moves to prevent us from holding the event but we gallantly marched on, knowing that the true measure of a man isn’t where he stands in moment of comfort and conveniences. Our members in their thousands trooped out and colourfully celebrated their freedom from political oppression and unending impunity, as practiced in the APC”. He added.
