In a dramatic show of discontent, youth members of the Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) took to the streets on Monday, to protest against what they view as a breach of their party’s constitution.
The focus of their ire was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s repeated appointments of known members of the rival People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to crucial government positions within the state.
The protest, characterized by its peaceful nature, aimed to shed light on their growing concerns regarding the sidelining of APC loyalists in favor of PDP members within key government agencies, ministries, and boards.
The youth protesters publicly issued an open letter addressed to President Tinubu, outlining their grievances and apprehensions about the state of their party in Rivers State.
In their letter, the protesters emphasized Article 9 (3) (iii) of the APC constitution, which asserts that “APC-led Governments at all levels shall accord qualified members of the party priority in appointments to positions in ministries, departments, and agencies.”
They argued that these appointments had left their party faithful bewildered and deeply troubled, given their extensive contributions to the APC in Rivers State since its inception.
The protesters raised questions about the significance of loyalty within party politics, highlighting that non-party members were receiving rewards despite limited or no involvement with the party since its formation in 2013 through a merger of several political entities.
They vehemently condemned the nominations and appointments of PDP members, viewing them as not only offensive but also detrimental to their party’s survival in Rivers State.
The youth protesters believed that these actions would further bolster the PDP’s influence within the state, undermining the core principles of party loyalty and dedication.
While acknowledging President Tinubu’s prerogative in making appointments, the protesters appealed for fairness, urging him to consider qualified members of the APC in Rivers State for these positions, in accordance with Article 9 (3) (iii) of the party’s constitution.
The protesters also reminded the President of the sacrifices made by APC members in Rivers State, including instances where over 1,500 members had lost their lives between 2015 and the present day due to their association with the party.
They expressed amazement that card-carrying PDP members were now being nominated and appointed to federal positions, despite the suffering and losses endured by APC members at the hands of the PDP.
The youth protesters concluded their open letter by reiterating their unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC’s leadership. They expressed their confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead the nation effectively and uphold the internal mechanisms that ensure the functionality and strength of the APC across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
