Former Commissioner of Information in Kogi state, Dr Tom Ohikere has announced that he is stepping down as Chief Execitive Officer (CEO) of the APC NewsOnline, an online media platform affiliated to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This annoucement is coming just days after he officially defected from the APC to the new opposition power house, the African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Recall that Ohikere a close ally of late Prìnce Abubakar Audu, and James Faleke, the secretary of the APC 2023 Presidential Campaign Organization was a director of support groups North of the Buhari Support Organization (BSO).
According to Ohikere his decision to leave the APC was anchored on strong ideological conviction that the current administration’s policy thrust does not align with political and economic philosophy on how the Nigerian dream can be realized and fulfilled.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday, he said after intense reflection and conscientious scrutiny he was satisfy to hand over the platform to Ritchie Otonoku, a staunch APC Chietain and communication entrepreneur.
The statement reads, “It is with great mix of emotions that i invite you to this auspicious occasion of the official announcement of change of leadership and management at the APC NewsOnline.ng.
The change is coming at an opportune time, particularly if one is an observer of the huge change and realignments taking place on the nation’s political landscape.
The change of ownership and leadership at the APC NewsOnline has without doubt been necessitated by my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and defection to the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). While the reason for this sudden change of political allegiance and platform remains personal, since as heretofore CEO of the APC NewsOnline i was a representative and agent of the APC media family, i believe without equivocation that handing over the organization and structure to a bonifide member of the APC is the best thing to do.
Since i can not take the brand name with me to my new political family, in other to ensure the continuing value delivery that APC NewsOnline has come to be associated with under my watch.
After the scrutiny of potential bids for takeover and succession, i have found Ritchie Otonoku to be the most suitable candidate for this role.
A veteran communication strategist, politician, and entrepreneur, i ardently believe he possesses the ideological rigour, administrative capacity, and political capital to seamlessly execute the arduous requirements of this role without deviating from its founding principles.
While i believe in the potential of the APC NewsOnline as a media platform to be an effective instrument of information dissemination and image management, i am also aware that for strong ideological reason, i can no longer continue to serve its purpose.
Kindly extend your usual cooperation and assistance to the new hands.
Thank you, and God bless.