The gubernatorial flag bearer of the APC, Pastor Tonye Cole has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his victory.
Pastor Cole said in a statement issued in Port Harcourt today by the Spokesman of the Cole/Giadom Campaign Organisation, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke that the president’s victory did not come as a surprise.
He said that a great majority of Nigerians were satisfied with the giant strides recorded in the first tenure by the President and his team.
“What we have seen is an overwhelming approval of the hard work the President and his team put up in the first tenure. Nigerians appreciate the integrity, commitment and determination of the President and Commander-in-Chief.
“We are glad that without the presence of APC candidates, Rivers people overcame massive violence plotted by the opposition to cast their votes for President Muhammadu Buhari”, Cole remarked.
“It is important to state that the exclusion of our candidates despite repeated court orders asking INEC to return to the status quo was a serious setback.
“However, we are satisfied that our votes for the president represents a significant improvement when compared with statistics obtained in 2015. The inclusion of our candidates on the ballot would have made a great difference.
“We commend our party members and all Rivers people for the support that the President got. In the face of great risks encountered on voting day, you stood firm”, Cole said.
Cole lauded the Director General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for leading the party to a convincing victory across the country.
“The Minister of Transportation who led the presidential campaigns as the Director General has made Rivers people proud. Back to back, he has worked with other Nigerians to deliver the President.
“As Rivers people, we are pleased with the growing relevance of our son. His excellent performance as the Director General of the campaigns is proof of his impeccable and undying loyalty to President Buhari and the APC”, Cole noted.
He regretted that lives were lost as a result of the brick and mortar politics of the opposition, saying acts of intimidation and murder implored by the PDP were indefensible.
