The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) successfully held its ward congresses throughout the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State over the weekend.
The congress which was conducted simultaneously across the 319 electoral wards in the State was adjudged by leaders of the party as successful.
Special Assistant to Governor Wike on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu in his reaction said the issues that were raised during the exercise will be tabled to the Congress Appeal Committee and peacefully resolved.
Similarly the Eleme Local Government Council Chairman, Barr. Philip Okparaji said the exercise was very peaceful in the area.
“You can see that me and the Party chairman in the LGA are going round to ensure that the electoral officers posted here are doing what they are supposed to do, that they are not in any individual house but in the school field for the exercise. This is a clear indication that Rivers State is PDP and peaceful under the leadership of the governor.”
Hon. Okparaji made it clear that the successful conduct of the ward congress has further strengthened the root of the party in Rivers State.
At Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, the council chairman, Hon. Prince Gerald Offorji said they also had a peaceful and successful conduct of the Ward congress as there is no other party on ground.
The PDP leader in the area and former Nigerian Ambassador, His Excellency (Amb.) Desmond Akawor in his reaction said the peaceful conduct of the exercise shows the leadership style of Governor Wike and urged for unity of purpose from the elected ward executives.
At Isiokpo capital of Ikwerre Local Government Area, the people were seen at the various centres ready to exercise their franchise.
However, at the Ogbodo ward one of Kelga, the sole candidate, Chief Sir Goodluck Nwobike who has been campaigning for the position was set to get the nod of the people through their votes when suddenly there was a call from above for him to withdraw from the race and the electorate reluctantly went home surprised and angry.
When contacted, Chief Nwobike said the development was the leadership decision and in the interest of the party.
When some of the electorates were contacted, they said in their separate reaction, that they can’t understand politics of nowadays because Chief Nwobike was the only candidate for the ward one election and had campaigned all through as a mark of seriousness.
