Rivers West Senate: Jack-Rich seeks APC ticket, demands fairness for founding members
Businessman and politician Tein Jack-Rich has formally entered the race for the Rivers West Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress platform. He called on party leadership to uphold fairness
Businessman and politician Tein Jack-Rich has formally entered the race for the Rivers West Senatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress platform.
He called on party leadership to uphold fairness and protect the interests of its founding members.
Jack-Rich, who submitted his expression of interest and nomination forms for the contest, said the APC must strike a delicate balance between embracing new entrants and preserving the place of loyal members who stood by the party from its formative years.
He stressed that while the party’s growing popularity and influx of new members remain vital for democratic expansion, such development should not come at the expense of long-standing party faithful who helped build the APC from the ground up.
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.
“It is important to hold your biological child dearly while adopting new children. That balance must be maintained.
“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, however, cautioned against new entrants attempting to displace long-standing members of the party.
“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,” he said.
He noted that while the influx of new members was beneficial to democratic growth, it should not come at the expense of those who built the party.
“These new entrants are welcome, as it is good for the expansion of democracy, but they cannot take everything away,” he said.
Jack-Rich expressed optimism about emerging victorious in the party primaries, pledging to work diligently to secure the mandate.
“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,” he said.
Highlighting his professional background, Jack-Rich said his over 28 years of experience in the oil industry would be an added advantage in legislative duties.
“I bring knowledge and experience. 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.
“I will also be a strong voice for the people of Rivers West,” he said.
He described Rivers West as the largest senatorial district in Rivers State and a major hub for Nigeria’s oil production.
“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,” he said.
Jack-Rich also dismissed claims that he only surfaces during election periods, insisting that he has remained active in party affairs over the years.
“I belong to the finance committee at the last convention, and I have participated in virtually all party activities, even if I am not very loud about it,” he said.
He pledged to bring fresh ideas and innovation to legislative work if elected.
“I am bringing new ideation and ingenuity that will help parliament deliver results that align with the objectives of the progressive movement,” he said.
