These are not the best of times for a noted All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain from the South-South geopolitical zone. The man who also used to be a state governor and one-time minister is on the ropes as it were. But it’s not only his economic interests that are threatened, those of his loyalists are under pressure as individuals with federal connections are angling to take over their existing surveillance contracts.
They are moaning that moves to hijack the surveillance contract of loyalists to the Niger-Delta born politician were politically motivated, and warning that cancelling their meal ticket would be counter productive.
Already, certain youth groups within the ruling APC are accusing the administration in this South-South state of collaborating with vested interests in the state to undermine our man’s interests.
The youths lamented that the only offence of the targeted surveillance contractors was their steadfast loyalty to the under-fire politician. They insiste that executing what they claim is a witchhunt against founding members of APC who had given their all to the party would hamper peace in the state.
The youths said: “Any attempt to wrest these contracts from them, if true, would represent not only an act of political victimisation but also a direct threat to the economic stability of hundreds of youths who rely on these engagements for their survival.
The APC youths said allowing such a plot would be deeply regrettable and could further inflame existing tensions in a state already grappling with economic and political strain.
Read Also: Tinubu, First Lady, Shetimma, hail PFN at 40
“It would be disappointing, and indeed unnecessary, for individuals in such privileged positions to seek control over the modest enterprises that sustain many ordinary citizens.
“What is playing out, in our view, reflects an increasingly intolerant and overreaching political culture—one that seems driven more by insecurity and resentment than by genuine public interest. Having already manoeuvred to dominate political structures built through the sacrifices of others, one must ask: what more is there left to take?
They called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to use his good offices to ensure fairness and restraint in the handling of matters affecting peace, livelihood, and cohesion in the state.
“We urge all actors to remember that the essence of leadership is service, not conquest, and that governance should never descend into a zero-sum contest of personal interests.
“We remain committed to pursuing every legitimate and peaceful avenue to resist any unjust or economically harmful action against our members”, they said.