Eleven Senatorial candidates, who lost the just concluded National Assembly elections in the Rivers South-East Senatorial district, have displayed a rare sense of sportsmanship by embracing the winner, Hon. Barinada Mpigi.
In a message of congratulation jointly signed by candidates and made available to newsmen last weekend in Port Harcourt said their action had the backing of their teeming supporters in the Rivers South-East Senatorial District.
The senatorial candidates said the collective decision to concede defeat and not challenge the outcome of the election in court stemmed from the fact that Mpigi’s victory was well deserved.
“As democrats, we are bound to accept the wishes of the people of the Senatorial District as
expressed by their votes in a free and far contest. It is our firm belief that politics is about the people and our aspirations are tied to our faith in the sanity of the votes of the people.
“Now that our people have spoken with their votes, we have to accept it and support whoever they have chosen, because we strongly feel that the election was free, fair and credible”, the affirmed.
The senatorial candidates said they were particularly happy that despite the unprovoked military siege on the Senatorial District with accompanying violence, harassment, intimidation and threats, people of the senatorial district came out enmasse and voted for a Senator of their choice.
They said it was on that premise that they wholeheartedly pledged their support to the Senator-elect, Dr.
Barinada Mpigi.
“Our action is further premised on the belief that with Dr. Barinada Mpigi, our senatorial district would experience peace, unity and overall development”, they chorused.
The Senatorial Candidates who jointly signed the congratulatory message to Mpigi include:
Dr. Donbaridam Godae (SDP), Prince Ngbor Innocent (PPC), Fubara S. Jaja (MPN), Atukomi Zorbari (PPA), Hon. Pepple Deinma (DA), Barr. Ayima Miibari (ID) and Sampson Kpeale (MRDD).
Others are Ogolo Stephen (NDLP), Prince Favour (LP), Martins Lenebari Bright (ACD) and Mbeke Godwin (C4C).
