Rivers State gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sir Siminalayi Fubara has said that only non-indigenes and strangers would struggle for support and tow the path of abusing people to attract attention.
Sir Fubara emphasised that as an indigene and free born of Opobo whose home training, parentage, and ancestral home still stands in Opobo kingdom, only character worthy of emulation can be attributed to him, and not the other way round, adding that at the appropriate time, the host LGA will do the needful.
The guber candidate made this known Saturday, September 3, 2022 at the grand finale of the Grassroot Development Initiative (GDI) PVC sensitisation campaign held in Opobo, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro local government area.
On his part, Rivers state chairman of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Amb. Desmond Akawor expressed immense appreciation of the 18 political parties in the state to the Grassroot Development Initiative for the remarkable sensitization exercise across the state.
He emphasised that by raising the consciousness of the electorate on the importance of registering, collecting and safeguarding their PVCs, especially at the grand finale of the programme IPAC was grateful.
Former member of APC board of trustees, Dr Sam Sam Jaja conveyed the deepest appreciation of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area and indeed Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency through the party chairman to His Excellency Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and members of the PDP for listening to divine instruction and choosing a son of Opobo kingdom to run for Governor in 2023.
He maintained that it was not ordinary, but divinely orchestrated as opportunities seldom comes twice, stressing that when opportunity comes twice, then it should be noted that there’s another hand in it and that is the hand of God.
Dr Jaja further said Sir Fubara is no longer seen as just an Opobo man from now, but a Rivers man and when God has started a project no one should stand in His way as those who tries to do so won’t survive God’s wrath.
President General of the Grassroot Development Initiative, Chief Bright Amaewhule in his address said that in championing the PVC awareness campaign across the 23 LGAs, their message was for people to subscribe to the SIMple network which is sacrosanct as it favours both the rich and poor without discrimination.
The immediate past Spokesperson of Rivers APC, Alabo-elect Chris Finebone while addressing the people stated that the individuals who entered Opobo a few days ago were 90% hired crowd from Ikot-Abasi and have already taken to their heels upon the arrival of the original owners who have come to reclaim their territory.
About his defection, he asserted peace with his conscience because all those around are very happy with the decision. “Whenever you do something and your wife is happy, your grownup children who can decide are happy, when your immediate family is happy, your extended family is happy even the traditional institution is happy, you know you’re a good son, you know you’re a good citizen.
Also speaking at the event, former civil service commissioner, Mrs Sotonye Toby Fulton stated that having concluded the first assignment of successful PVC registration, the actual collection becomes more imperative as it is the power, right and voice of the electorate.
She equally added that entrenching good governance begins with the PVC, citing anther example of the Opobo/Nkoro axis of the Unity road constructed by the executive governor of Rivers state, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike. Going forward she urged everyone to remain simplified to sustain development in the area.
Earlier, the executive chairman of Opobo/Nkoro LGA Rt. Hon (Dr) Enyiada Clifford Cookey-Gam exclaimed that the grand finale homecoming to Ibani nation, without doubt summarizes the adage, “he who laughs last, laughs best”, given the carnival-like outing in the LGA.
The council boss went further with assurances that all PVCs still in custody of INEC will be picked by the individual owners in the shortest possible time. He added that they are ready to make a statement with the PVC; speaking in unity and in one voice as history is being made in the state.
The side attraction of the event is the special appearance of a renowned rap king, Dandizzy as he thrilled the audience with his captivating freestyle. Interestingly, Dandizzy is from Opobo kingdom.
Among those in Fubara’s entourage at the event were, the deputy governorship candidate, Prof. Mrs Nma Ngozi Ordu; Deputy Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Edison Ehie; the Majority leader of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Martin Amaewhule; Mayor of Port Harcourt, Hon Alwell Ihunda and other council chairmen; Alabo [Senator] Adawari Michael Pepple; prominent government officials, chieftains of the party among others.
