Rivers Indigenes in United Kingdom and Ireland, who are members of Grassroot Development Initiative, GDI, a formidable political group under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have thrown their weight behind the candidature of President Goodluck Jonathan on his re-election bid and Chief Barr. Nyesom Wike, the governorship hopeful of the PDP in Rivers State.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the Publicity Secretary of PDP/Rivers People in United Kingdom and Island, Barr. Nkem Omodu, said that they have been working in tandem with the vision and policy of GDI, before it was fully integrated into the activities of PDP in the state and nation at large.
Nkem who spoke on behalf of the Cordinator in Ukani Island, Dr. Okechukwu Omodu, noted that the body which came into existence in the last three years has contributed immensely to support the activities of the PDP, both at home and aboard.
He noted that the work class T-Shirts, Face Caps, Banners and other Souvenirs, speak volumes of what they have contributed in actualizing the dream of PDP in the state and nation at large.
On why Ikwerre man should succeed an Ikwerre man, Barr. Omodu emphasized that the emergence of Wike as the state PDP flag bearer, does not mean that the riverine is not capable of ruling the state, stating that the situation PDP found itself in Rivers state, prompted the emergence of Wike.
Omodu was of the view that PDP needed a strong hand that will recover the party’s mandate that was stolen by the APC in the state. He went further to state that the structure that was put in place by Wike from the earlier stage of the political struggle in the state, made it possible for him to stand tall amongst others.
Nkem maintained that what he has seen in the PDP rallies from house to house, ward to ward and local government to local government across the state and nation at large, has convinced him that Jonathan, Wike and other PDP candidates will emerge victorious at the end of the 2015 elections.
The Diaspora Publicity Secretary who described Barr. Wike as a detribalized man added that he will give the best governance that anybody could imagine, in terms of human and infrastructural development in the state, at the end of his tenure. He maintained that records of Wike as former Minister of Education for State and other political positions he has held, speaks volumes of his administrative qualities and preparedness.
Omodu, who used the medium to condemn the call in some quarters that military should not be used in the incoming general elections, pointed out that it would be very important to involve the military in the elections, considering the security situation in the country.
He further called on the electorate not to worry about anything, since INEC has assumed Nigerians that the elections will be free and fair, despite the hitches in collection of PVC’s, by ensuring that the process will be on one man one vote.
Barr. Omodu on behalf of PDP/Rivers People in UK and Island commended the efforts and selfless contribution of Pastor Bright Chukumati, Barr. Emma Enyinda Chinda, Mrs. Stella Dise, Mr. Steve Ihuanne and Mr. Reg Hanotu amongst others, who are members of the diaspora body and urged the people of the state to ensure that there is peace in the state, before, during and after elections.
Blaise
