Businessman and politician, Tein Jack-Rich, has warned against what he described as attempts by new entrants into the All Progressives Congress (APC) to displace long-standing members of the ruling party.
NewsWatch Nigeria reports that Jack-Rich gave the warning in Abuja while submitting his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat on the platform of the APC.
In a statement he signed on Thursday, May 7, the APC chieftain said while the party should continue to welcome new members, it must not abandon those who stood with it from its early days.
According to him, the influx of politicians into the APC is good for democratic growth, but the party must strike a balance between accommodating new members and protecting the interests of loyal members.
Jack-Rich said members who supported the APC when its future was uncertain should not be pushed aside now that the party controls the Federal Government.
He said, “What is important to the party is to continue to recognise and honour legacy members who have been there from inception, while also accommodating new entrants for growth.”
He added, “It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.”
The senatorial aspirant said many founding members of the APC endured difficult periods, criticism and political pressure when some people doubted the party’s chances of survival.
He said it would be unfair for such members to be sidelined because the party had become attractive to new entrants.
Jack-Rich stated, “We were there when they called us names. I was there when they didn’t believe in us and when they tried to stop us.
“Today that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it.”
Jack-Rich Declares Senate Ambition
Speaking on his ambition, Jack-Rich said he decided to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat to provide experienced and purposeful representation for the district.
He described himself as one of the long-standing supporters of the APC at both state and national levels, adding that he had consistently worked for the success of the party and its candidates.
He said, “I have been one of the key supporters of this party at both the state and national levels. I have supported governors, assembly members, representatives, senators and even presidents, and I will continue to do so.”
Jack-Rich expressed confidence that he would secure the party’s ticket and win the senatorial election.
He said, “I am happy to say I have submitted my form, and I am going to work hard for the primaries. I believe strongly that I will win the Senate seat. Rivers West will be great again.”
The APC aspirant said his over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas sector had prepared him to contribute meaningfully to legislative work, especially on issues affecting the energy industry.
He said the Senate needed lawmakers who understand the oil sector and can support President Bola Tinubu’s administration with ideas and legislation that would improve oil production and strengthen the economy.
Jack-Rich said, “We need a senator who understands the oil industry and can support the president with bills and ideas that will help us produce more oil.”
He described Rivers West as one of the most strategic senatorial districts in the country because of its economic importance and oil-producing capacity.
According to him, “The Rivers West Senatorial District is the largest in the state in terms of landmass, and it is the oil bank of Nigeria.
“My field is in Rivers West, so I understand the terrain and the issues.”
