By Nuel Suji, Abuja.
The Rivers State Governor Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has described as regrettable the reasons adduced by his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru, for his defection from the All Progressive Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Engr. Ikuru had on Sunday announced his defection from the APC to the PDP, saying he had found APC to be “a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists, clothed in robes of pretence and deceit.”
The deputy governor further described the APC as “a party founded on deception and it thrives on unholy propaganda and falsehood.”
But reacting to Ikuru’s defection, Gov. Amaechi, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ibim Semenetari, said “it is regrettable that Engr Ikuru has chosen the dishonourable path of bare faced lies and name calling rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.
“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 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 and name calling rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.”
Details of the statement read:
“The Rivers State Governor Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechihas only this evening received the news of the resignation of his Deputy Governor Engr. Tele Ikuru from the All Progressives Congress.
“Whilst the news remains unofficial at this time, as the Deputy Governor is yet to notify His Excellency the Governor of his move, Governor Amaechi however wishes Engr Ikuru all the best in his future political endeavours.
“He 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. He has also 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 and 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 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 and name calling rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.”
Ibim Semenitari
Commissioner of Information and Communications,
Rivers State
Sunday March 22, 2015
