An Interim Executive Council (EXCO) has been elected by the Rivers State chapter of the rejuvenated All Progressives Congress (APC).

A statement by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, senior media aide to the Interim State Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, said the EXCO comprises members of both the APC and the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) which merged with the party on November 26.

Eze described Ikanya as “a fearless and unassuming political leader, one-time gubernatorial candidate in Rivers State and Commissioner of Special Duties during the first tenure of Governor Chibuike Amaechi.”

He said that other members of the EXCO set up two days ago (December 9) “include the popular grassroots political warrior, Chief Emeka Bekee (State Secretary), and Chief Andy Nweye, a well known outstanding grassroots mobiliser and erstwhile Rivers State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), as the Publicity Secretary. Chief Mike Nweleighi is the Organising Secretary with Dr. Abel Tariah as the State Treasurer.”

According to the statement, “The Interim State EXCO swiftly moved into action by annexing the former complex of the Amaechi Gubernatorial Campaign Organisation at 38 forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt, where Chief Nyesome Wike, who has turned coat, once held sway as Director General of Amaechi’s campaign team.”

It said that Ikanya while taking over possession of the new APC State Secretariat declared: “Today is a joyful day in Rivers State as today the liberation of Rivers State from the shackles of undemocratic elements that have seized PDP and the entire democracy in Nigeria has begun. Today, we shall begin the struggle to enthrone proper democratic culture in Rivers State. Today, we bring hope and salvation to our people through a rescue mission which the birth of APC portends. This message of hope shall be published and taken to all the corners and crannies of Rivers State.”

Dr. Ikanya reportedly went further by admonishing both President Jonathan and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur to accept and face the reality of leading PDP as an opposition political party based on the various undemocratic acts of impunity associated with the party under their watch that led to the present sorry state of the party. The statement quoted him as saying that with Chief Benjamin Apugo, a member of the BOT of PDP, joining other notable Nigerians including the G5 Governors to leave the party the years of the reign of PDP is gone for the good of the country.

“The State Interim Chairman,” according to the statement, “concluded by commending and congratulating the G5 Governors, namely, Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), for deciding to choose the path of democracy by dumping the undemocratic PDP. He specially commended Governor Amaechi for all his sacrifices towards the birth of genuine democracy in Nigeria and urged him not to relent even in the face of brazen persecution by undemocratic elements in Abuja.”

•Photo shows APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.