The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State Hon. Tombari Gbara, has reiterated the position of the party that no serving Local Government Chairman has been given automatic endorsement for the 2021 Local Government Election.
Gbara who made this known recently in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt said as far as the leadership of the PDP in Rivers State is concerned, there will be no endorsement or imposition of aspirants and candidates of the party on the party.
“Remember that His Excellency, Chief (Barr) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has told them repeatedly that the upcoming LGA polls in the state will be based on performance and competence and above all, on choice which will be decided by the people”, he said.
On zoning which is being demanded by some ethnic groups in some Local Government Areas, Hon. Gbara had this to say: “The Rivers State PDP Chairman, Ambassador Desmond Akawor is taking care of the issue of domination as raised by some ethnic groups or clan in some LGAs. However, in order for us to continue to control Rivers State as a political party, we will listen to all members of our party and their agitations. We will be fair to all concerned.
“You also have to realize that there are circumstances that do not make the zoning arrangement or power shift from one ethnic group or clan to another possible”.
The former Caretaker Committee Chairman of Khana Local Government Area reiterated on the need to give every ambitious member of the party an opportunity to run for elective office in the State.
On his assessment and appraisal of the performances of the various LGA Chairmen in the State, the State PDP Publicity Secretary said: “Remember that the current LGA Chairmen were already in office before the present PDP Exco led by Amb. Akawor assumed office. Nevertheless, on the average, the present LGA Chairmen in the state have done surprisingly well. Though there is room for improvement”.
Hon. Gbara said the State PDP Chairman also told the LGA Chairmen who have not been able to meet the expectations of the people for the past two years to know that their chances for a second term is slim.
It will be recalled that the eighteen officially registered political parties in the country are yet to conduct primary elections in the State for the February, 2021 LGA Election.
