As political calculations for the 2015 Rivers State governorship race begin in earnest, Andoni Traditional Rulers and Chiefs Tuesday at the Delta Hotels, Port Harcourt, the state capital, rallied support for one of their own, Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd), urging him to take a shot at the 2015 governorship elections in the state.
Speaking at the occasion, a leading Andoni Monarch, HM J.W. Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV, said the entire Obolo Chiefs were overwhelmed with joy as Anyanya elegantly stepped out to aspire for the governorship position .
He stressed that they will support any politician from the area who is ready to take a shot at the position, but noted that the “first come, first accepted” principle will be strongly applied.
According to the monarch, “We are here to identify with his aspirations, though we are not politicians, but will support any politician who wants to aspire to the exalted seat. This is the first time an Andoni man is aspiring and for that reason, we are greatly impressed.
“We commend you for identifying with the royal fathers to get their blessings, as we assure you of our unalloyed support at all times.”
In his response, Anyanya expressed gratitude to the royal fathers and pledged his commitment to the overall interest of Obolo people and Rivers State at large. He noted that the gathering was primarily “to make public what we have done in private and to tell you that I am about to embark on a great journey.”
Anyanya further noted that he will draw on the strength of the monarchs and the diverse culture in the area to uplift Rivers State, saying he will set the State on the path of greatness, irrespective of numerous challenges confronting the people.
According to him, he who recognises the significance of leadership said he is driven by mission and passion to serve the people of Rivers State with rich cultural heritage which inspires him, because “we are not where we should be.”
According to him, “Rivers State is destined to be the leader among the comity of states. The reality is that we have not achieved greatness, we have also not achieved the peak of our excellence. We have come to give our people a new direction whether you choose to live in the fishing port or city, you can be great , that is our message.”
In their solidarity messages at the occasion, the clan head of Ataba kingdom, HM. B.N.W Egwenre, JP, Chief (Sir) Z.Z.A Tet-Uga, Chief E.E Igbifa, Chief M. Omayi, Chief Gad Ekpirikpo and several other monarchs spoke glowingly of Anyanya, while Dr. John Imegi a leading politician and lecturer, described him as an embodiment of progress and an intelligent politician.
