RE: “WHERE IS BARRISTER FELIX OSEMWENGIE ISERE?”

Igiehon suggested in his article that I am one of the most aggrieved APC member who has chosen to work for NDC and I am mobilizing against the party and that’s why I have been quiet unlike me who used to be very vocal on the media for APC. 

Let me state unequivocally that I remain a committed, loyal, and active member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). I have neither defected to any political party nor contemplated doing so. Any suggestion to the contrary is false, speculative, and intended to mislead the public.

For the avoidance of doubt, I am not a fair-weather politician. As a founding member of APC, I did not join the APC because of political appointments, and my commitment to the party has never been conditional on holding public office. I was part of those who invested their time, energy, resources, and convictions in building this great party and bringing the government at the federal and state, It would therefore be irrational to abandon what we collectively laboured to build simply because circumstances have changed. If I could remain 8 years as an opposition despite the pressure and enticements, why should I exit the party now we are in power simply because of whatever concerns? 

Politics must rise above the unfortunate culture where loyalty is measured by proximity to power. If one’s commitment to a political party exists only while occupying public office, then such commitment is not loyalty; it is convenience. True political loyalty is tested not during seasons of personal gain but during moments of uncertainty, disappointment, and transition.

Like every democratic institution, the APC is not without its internal disagreements and issues . Mature political allow such issues affect their commitments; they resolve them through dialogue, patience, and commitment to shared ideals. Temporary silence should never be interpreted as defection.

As the appropriate period for political campaigns commences in accordance with the Electoral Act, I will, together with many other committed party members, continue to work towards the success of our candidates and the continued progress of our great party. My commitment to the APC remains steadfast.

At this stage of my life, I have deliberately devoted more attention to my family, professional responsibilities, and personal development. Public service is only one aspect of life; family, character, and continuous self-improvement are lifelong responsibilities. One does not cease to be a loyal party member simply because one is not constantly in the public eye.

It is therefore unfortunate that some individuals have chosen to substitute speculation for facts. Please let us ensure that our public comments should be guided by truth, fairness, and responsibility rather than rumours designed to manufacture political narratives.

I urge those promoting this falsehood to desist. Political discourse should elevate our democracy, not diminish it through misinformation and needless distractions.

History will always remember those who remained faithful to their convictions when it was least fashionable to do so. I have no intention of abandoning the house that I join others to build. My loyalty to the APC remains intact, my principles remain unchanged, and my commitment to the progress of our party remains unwavering.

For the avoidance of doubt, I remain a proud member of the All Progressives Congress, and I look forward to contributing my quota to its continued success.

Signed,

Felix Osemwengie Isere, Esq

Former Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Oil and Gas.