The deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, has said that the incoming Nyesom Wike administration will empower traders with business grants to lift their commercial activities.
Mrs. Banigo, who spoke during visits to six major markets in Port Harcourt, noted that the new PDP administration will encourage entrepreneurship and self reliance across the state.
Decrying the conditions of the markets, Dr Banigo, said that the Wike administration will reinvent all markets in the state through targeted rehabilitation.
She particularly called on market women to support the Wike/Banigo ticket as it was the first time that a woman was being given the opportunity to contribute to decision making at the highest level in Rivers State.
She said: “I call on all women traders backed by their male counterparts to vote massively for the Wike/Banigo ticket. This is the first time since the creation of Rivers State in 1967, that a woman will have the opportunity to serve as deputy governor. I am pleased to also inform you that our incoming administration will ensure that traders get business grants to improve their businesses.”
In all the markets visited, Dr Banigo explained in pidgin English, the party’s blueprint for Rivers State and also shared PDP flyers and souvenirs.
She was accompanied on the visit by Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, two members of the House of Representatives, Mrs Blessing Nsiegbe and Mr. Ken Chikere. Also on her entourage were female Federal Commissioners in the state.
Dr Banigo also received in audience, lawyers under the auspices of New Rivers Lawyers Initiative.
She commended the lawyers for endorsing Mr Wike and herself, saying that the incoming administration will ensure the independence of the judiciary.
