Hon. Chief Peterside Dakuku the immediate past Commissioner of Works in Rivers State and the PDP candidate representing the Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency’s entry into the PDP rally venue held on the 28th March, 2011 at the CPS 11, Ngo Town the Headquarters of Andoni Local Government can only be described as triumphant judging by the mammoth crowd gathered at the waterside to receive him and accompany him to the rally ground where he officially received the PDP Flag to represent the party come 2nd April, 2011 National Assembly Elections.
In his remarks at the event, he expressed appreciation to the party for finding him worthy for such a huge responsibility. He also assured his constituency of adequate representation that would ensure they receive equitable dividends via his service. He charged the people of Andoni to ensure that Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi is appreciated for all his government has done so far for the LGA and the State. He listed the numerous projects that include the construction of model Primary and Secondary schools, health centres and most importantly the ring road that will alleviate transport gridlocks in the area.
Prior to his entry, Prince Tonye Princewill, leader of Princewill Political Associates and the undisputable Prince of Niger Delta Politics in his speech at the rally, was full of praises for Dr. Ibiamu Ikanya, Commissioner of special Duties in the state and Chairman of the Princewill Political Associates for ensuring that half of the mammoth crowd in attendance for the historical rally were members of PPA. He thanked the people of Andoni for the great reception accorded the Amaechi Team and reiterated the widely accepted fact that Amaechi stands out as the greatest thing that has ever happened to the people of Rivers State in recent time
He reminded the people that in the beginning following the Supreme Court verdict in Amaechi’s favour in 2007, he had recognised the burning desire and commitment in him to move the state to an enviable height, hence his decision to withdraw his case against the PDP at the tribunal even when he was offered a 1.5 billion Naira bribe by Omehia’s Camp to continue with the case with the assurance that they would also provide documentation on how the elections were rigged by the PDP: all these in an effort to ensure Amaechi did not have his rightful mandate. Princewill said the decision was one he had not had cause to rue in the almost four years of the Amaechi administration.
He urged the people to avoid complacency in this year’s election and participate in the voting exercise, which is the only way an Amaechi victory can be ensured, because according to him the real threat to a PDP victory is “OC” Over Confidence- by the supporters and not even the ACN.
Other Speakers that gave solidarity speeches include Prince Uche Secondus, the National Organising Secretary of PDP and erstwhile State Chairman of PDP in Rivers State, Engineer Tele Ikuru, Deputy Governor, Barrister Magnus Abe and a host of other dignitaries whose speeches were along the line of proactive
If the entry of Hon. Chief Dakuku Peterside into Andoni was triumphant then his entry into his home town of Opobo can best be described as electrifying. He was carried shoulder high to the venue of the rally held at New Sand Field, Opobo Town. In his remarks Hon. Peterside representing the party in the 2nd April National Assembly election, assured Rt. Hon. Amaechi of hundred percent of the votes of the Opobo people as the fact remains that apart from King Jaja of Opobo who founded the Opobo town, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi can be described as the founder of the new Opobo as his government had successfully reclaimed 50 hectares of land for the Opobo people which would be put to good use for the benefit of its citizens. Chief Peterside in his speech urged the people of Opobo that as Opposing political parties come to campaign in Opobo Town they should ask them to show them the projects they have influenced for the Opobo people.
Also in attendance at the Opobo event to wholeheartedly endorse Amaechi, was Sir Dr Gabriel T. G. Toby, immediate past Deputy Governor of the State and father of the current commissioner for Information Mrs Ibim Seminatari. In his speech summarised the views and position of the Opobo people thus, “Amaechi, you have proved yourself as God sent to the people of Rivers State particularly to the people of Opobo and you should not worry yourself about our votes as it is going to be total”. Other Speakers included Barrister Magnus Abe, the Chairman of the party, Chief .G.U.Ake, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, former SSG and Attorney General of the State and currently the Administrator of Greater PortHarcourt initiative, Dr Silva Opusunju, Chairman of the Central Campaign Committee of the party, Mrs. Ibim Seminatari, Commissioner for Information and an Opobo daughter.
Chief Barr Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike in both rallies assigned the various wards in the two Local Areas to some specific leaders of the party and cautioned them that they will be held responsible should they fail in winning the wards under their purview.
Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi the Governor and gubernatorial candidate of PDP for the April 16th Gubernatorial election assured the people in both LGA’s of more projects amidst cheers of “Amaechi, Amaechi, Amaechi we will follow you whether rain or sun as you have proven that you are the light of Rivers State’.
One elderly woman by name Madam Easter Opobo summarised the two rallies, ‘If I die today, I will die a happy woman for I have seen the Messiah of Rivers State.
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Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt
