A political pressure group that goes by the name 'TeamCole,' has called for the immediate resolution of crisis in Rivers State All Progressive Congress (APC).

The group, in a statement signed by Rex David, DG/Coordinator TeamCole, said "it is with a joyous spirit that we thank God for keeping us alive through this difficult year. From Covid-19 to the #EndSARS protest, we join Nigerians in solidarity as we recognize the genuine pains and suffering, the Nigerian people had to go through.

"However at this extraordinary meeting of the leadership of TeamCole, we feel obliged to bring to the notice of all party faithful, the concerns and frustration expressed by our members and a sure majority of our young party members on the continuous rancor by splinter groups within the Rivers State APC that has left the party without a direction for the past two years.

Text of the statement reads: “Before we begin, it is important I state that, to give us a standard unbiased look, the group which started as a pressure group, working for the victory of the APC candidate in the last gubernatorial elections, Arch. Tonye Cole; deliberated and considered a change of name but decided that further consultation be done. This is to create room for expansion and a broader coordinated goal.

"However, we totally believe in the principles of Tonye Cole, we see him as a true leader which Rivers State rightly deserves, an upright man with a clear focus and we will continue to stand firmly on his ideals. So we call on everyone from all divide to join us as we forge a new path for our party and dear state. For emphasis, we remain totally committed and loyal to the leader of the party, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

“Now to face the blunt reality, we want to charge APC youths not to be fooled by the antics of some of their leaders. This has largely been self-centered. First, it is reported that Hon. Igo Aguma's anger with the leader of the party in the state is due to the transfer of his wife, who is currently working as a top administrator in NIMASA, from her initial London base back to Nigeria. Can this be the reason for the current unrest in the Rivers State APC? How selfish!

“Distinguished Senator Magnus Abe whose actions and inactions cost the APC the opportunity of contesting in the last election, as well as denied many young people the opportunity to pursue their political ambitions, is currently serving as a member on the board of NNPC. He has been compensated for his fight but has destroyed the dreams of many young people.

“Due to the instability within the APC, many of our youths were left with no option but to decamp to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). These youths have electoral value. And even though many would have loved to remain in the party they had so laboured for, they were forced to settle for our opponents just to have the opportunity to pursue their political dreams.

“We are hereby appealing to our members across the state to remain faithful to the party. They should draw their strength in the recent comments of our leader during the occasion of the decamping of the former governorship aspirant, Michael West and other top PDP members to the APC. Our leader said, "I don't give money, I build people". This statement brings hope. So, we call on party leaders across the state to do all within their powers to unite members across their various localities.

“We condemn the recent call for party members to gather for verification over federal government N30, 000 stipends. It is wicked and will cause a lot of discomfort for the less privileged masses. We call on the attention of whoever is in charge, to stop henceforth and pay all whose account details have been submitted. We don't need physical verification as BVN remains the best way to verify accounts.

“Our next point comes from the concern and frustration expressed by most party members over appointees into federal agencies. They have refused to use their good office to help build members of the party. We will ask them to look back and learn from some of those who recently served. And if they continue to be non-impactful to the party, we call on our leader to replace them with new persons, preferable younger person with proven records that can make positive impact.

“Enough of this total dependence on Amaechi. Many of our leaders have benefitted in no small measure from Amaechi, however they have refused to help him grow the party. They depend solely on Amaechi to function. And even when support is given them, it never gets to the party members that so need and deserve it.

“Today, the faith of APC in Rivers State is largely been held by the youths on social media. While nothing is happening at the unit level, the social media space still continues to keep the party alive. Everyone adding their voice to keeping the party alive deserves our gratitude. However, elections are not won on social media alone but largely by the boots on ground on election day. Many of whom are in their localities with no access to Internet.

“In few months, there will be local government elections in the state. And it's another opportunity for hundreds of our youths to follow their dreams and grow their political careers by either becoming the next Chairman or Councilor in their local government. Are we ready?

“So, we are appealing to all well-meaning youths of Rivers State to ignore the fear of victimization or sycophancy and support this call for an end to the issues bedeviling the party so we can have the opportunity to move the party forward and contest in the fourth coming LGA elections.

“As the leader of the party in the state, we assure His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, of our total support across the state. The same way on the party’s mandate we mobilised under Tonye Cole in 2019, we will continue to mobilise behind him as he strives to unite our party again.

“We support the reforms by the National Executive Council (NEC) of our party which approves the dissolution of all structures and conduct of fresh congresses to elect new party leaders at all levels. Also we frown at the information reaching us that some of our members instituted new cases at the court after the December 7th NEC meeting. To this effect, we express our frustration and call on all party elders and leaders to finally wade in to stop this madness. However, we want to drop a sound warning that if the party fails to settle her internal problems within the next 60days, we the youths will have no choice but to ask all our party acclaimed/appointed leaders in all the LGAs to step aside for new leadership. We shall also approach Mr. President to intervene for progress of the party.

“We are using this medium to inform the Chairman of the APC National Caretaker Committee, His Excellency Gov. Mai Mala Buni of the current situation of the party in the state and our resolve as youths to ensure this party bounces back to life.

“APC belongs to all. Whether you are from Opobo, Ikwerre, Ogoni, Kalabari or non-indigene, you have a stake. As long as you reside in Rivers State; you have a stake. APC is a party for all and will remain that way. We encourage you to keep faith in the APC and continue to trust in the leadership of Rt. Hon Chibuike Amaechi as he continues to build on the legacy of our dear President, Muhammadu Buhari.”

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