The APC should not marginalize its original pioneers in favor of recent newcomers, warns Jack-Rich

Tein Jack-Rich, a prominent businessman and politician, has cautioned against the potential displacement of long-time members of the All Progressives Congress by newcomers to the party, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between loyalty and growth.

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This warning was issued in Abuja as Jack-Rich submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms to vie for the Rivers West Senatorial seat on the APC platform, as stated in a declaration he signed on Thursday.

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According to Jack-Rich, while the influx of new members is beneficial for the party's democratic expansion, it is crucial to recognize and honor the contributions of loyal members who have been with the party since its inception.

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He stressed that these legacy members should not be sidelined, saying, "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."

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Jack-Rich drew an analogy between the party's situation and a family, stating, "It is important to hold dearly your biological child while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained."

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The APC chieftain reflected on the difficult periods endured by founding members and early supporters of the party, who were often ridiculed and doubted, and emphasized that they should not be pushed aside now that the party is in power.

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He recalled the challenges faced by the party's early supporters, saying, "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."

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Jack-Rich expressed his determination to protect the interests of long-time party members, stating, "Today that we have a president, some people are coming in hard and trying to push us out. We will not accept it."

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As a long-standing supporter of the APC at both the state and national levels, Jack-Rich has consistently backed the party's candidates over the years, including governors, assembly members, representatives, senators, and presidents.

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He described his own role in the party, saying, "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."

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Jack-Rich's decision to contest for the Rivers West Senatorial seat is driven by his desire to provide experienced representation for the district, and he expressed confidence in his ability to emerge victorious in the party primaries and the general election.

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He stated, "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."

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With over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Jack-Rich is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to legislative work, particularly in the energy sector, and he emphasized the need for a senator who understands the oil industry.

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He noted, "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."

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Jack-Rich described the Rivers West Senatorial District as a strategic economic zone and a major oil-producing district in the country, saying, "The Rivers West Senatorial District is the largest in the state in terms of landmass, and it is the oil bank of Nigeria."

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He added, "My field is in Rivers West, so I understand the terrain and the issues."