From today, Monday, June 10, 2013, I ceased to be a member of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.
By my resignation from the party, I also ceased to be the Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Rivers State Chapter.
My resignation from the ACN is hinged on principle. I want to place on record that there is an attempt to use Esuku M. Esuku, to desecrate the principles on which the Party was conceivably based through the infiltration of the very people whose political philosophy are diametrically opposed to those of the ACN.
It has been very difficult coping thus far with a bunch of non-progressives in what is meant as a progressive alternative to the status quo.
I have carried the banner with Dr Abiye Sekibo, and Hon Kenneth Kobani alone, while the like of Esuku M. Esuku is busy using the ACN platform as a selfish route to the Governor of Rivers State for his “stomach” no more, no less.
Rivers people will not forgive me, if I had used the ACN platform to seek monetary gains and political advancement from the Governor of Rivers State, as many would have hinged my consistent criticism of the Rivers State Governor and his style of governance on selfish reasons.
My aim was to join other genuine efforts to build a credible opposition and set agenda for government not to use the ACN platform to negotiate for enrichment of myself and reach out to government officials at night, as Esuku M. Esuku is doing.
My stance was therefore seen by the like of Esuku M. Esuku as stopping them from “chopping” government money and getting appointed into juicy positions, by the Governor of Rivers State.
I received all manners of threats to my life; the lives of my wife and children were put on the line.
Before 2011, Rivers State had been so unlucky not to have a serious opposition party. This was an impression we set out to correct. It is the gravest of crimes to have the likes of Esuku M. Esuku claiming to be in opposition in the day time, and at night in the Brick House with government officials, plotting to destabilize the ACN.
Besides giving my reasons for resigning my membership of the ACN on principle. I wish to note that the resignation of our State Leader, Dr Abiye Sekibo, whose view and ideologies I share in, also contributed to my action because there is no point retaining my membership of the ACN, when he has already dumped the party.
I sincerely wish to thank Dr Abiye Sekibo and wife. I received very warm support, prayers and encouragement from them. I thank my beloved wife and children for standing firm in prayers to God on my behalf. Also, Hon Kenneth Kobani, my Archbishop, Diocesan Administrator and members of my Church, Kono people, Ogoni sons and daughters, Rivers people, members of NUJ, the Christian community in Rivers State and Nigeria, my friends in the media, members of Rivers State Independent Publishers Association (RIVPA), Human Rights Community, members of other Political Parties, management and staff of National Network Group of Newspapers, my friends within and outside the country, and the general public for all your supports and prayers.
God bless you all.
Jerry Needam
Monday, June 10, 2013
