Port Harcourt on Thursday 30th September, 2021 witnessed what could best be described as one of the biggest political earthquakes in recent times as thousands of members of the All Progressives Congress , APC, African Action Alliance, AAC and Accord party in Rivers state dumped their former parties and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The event which took place at the Isaac Boro Park, opposite the Mile 1 Flyover saw the return of some bigwigs in the parties and their supporters.
While the 23 AAC LGA Chairmen and wards executives dumped the party, the APC had stalwarts such as the Spokesman of the Party and Former Member, House of Representatives, Chief, Hon Ogbona Nwuke, Hon Emma Deeyah, Former Member, House of Representatives and President of KAGOTE,, Hon Ngo Martins-Yellowe, former Chairman, Rivers state Civil Service Commission, Hon Ibiso Nwuche, former member House of Assembly and Hon Esuku M Esuku, former leader, Accord Party, Andoni. Others are former Speaker, House of Assembly, Chief Stephen Ezekwem, former Commissioner for Works, Levy Braide, former Special Adviser on ICT, Goodlife Mekini who was in charge of APC ICT Room, former member, House of Representatives, Daemi Akpanah, former Special Adviser, Alabo Charles Dokubo, former Director AdministrationTonye Cole/Giadom Campaign Organisation, Barinedum Nwibere, 23 AAC LGA Chairmen led by Opobo/Nkoro LGA Chairman, Dandeson Adonye Ogolo among several others.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike described the event as the final mop up of remnants of the APC in the State.
He admonished party faithful to continue to stand by the party, assuring that PDP would produce the next Governor of the State and President of the country come 2023.
The State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ambassador Desmond Akawor said the returnees who went on hunting expedition in the APC and other political parties, decided to come back to their original party due to the Governor’s various developmental projects which have impacted positively on their lives.
“Your Excellency, this is not my speech-making day, but just to mention that these returnees today have two things in common ; they all said they are back home. The first reason is that even while they were in APC u’ve touched their various constituencies without minding they were in the opposition. So your projects have actually lured them to come back”.
In his remarks, former APC Spokesman, Hon Ogbonna Nwuke said his decision to come back to the PDP was based on the people- oriented projects Governor Wike has embarked upon in all parts of the State, particularly in Etche. The former House of Representatives member and one time Commissioner for Information in the state praised Governor Wike for fulfilling his promises to the people, contrary to what is obtained in the APC.
“I want to say that I have just left the land where we took aspirin, panadol and coden to try to get healthy. Your Excellency, in the last six years we have been in the wilderness. We were promised “Change”, but I must say that we could not find Change in Etche. All politics is local and I couldn’t stand by, do the fighting and watch those who suprintend over affairs of APC act in a manner that appears calous. Accordingly, Your Excellency, I have found my way out of the Wilderness. We have stumbled upon light and we have found development partners. That development partners is the PDP. We have seen the good roads that you built. First you gave us Igwuruta-Chokocho dual carriage road, you went across the Otamini River and gave us the Odufor-Oboho- Omuojj road and then the other day you returned and gave us the announcement of the Chokocho-Igbodo road. Your Excellency, there is jubilation in Etche. I am jubilant myself. I am exited and to tell you the candid truth, there could have been no better news. Today your Excellency, I have come back. I have come back to my home”.
Also speaking, former member of the House of Representatives, Hon Emma Deeyah who described Governor Wike as a bold, courageous and purposeful leader, called on all Rivers people to throw their weight behind him.
“The thing you are doing in Rivers state is visible to all. I just want to say that what has endeared me the most to you is the bold, courageous but purposeful leadership that you are providing for all of us. When you follow a leader, like they say “leader wey know road”, you won’t miss your way, you won t make mistakes as well”.
He advised Rivers people to come out and support Governor Nyesom Wike saying that doing so only in the Media is not enough.
“I just want to use this opportunity to talk to all our people in Rivers state to see the light and join you because if I say I support you and I sit in my house or in television and newspapers, I have not done enough. That’s why I decided to come out and join you”.
The event was attended by the timber and caterpillar of Rivers society, including the State Deputy Governor, Dr/Mrs Ipalibo Harry Banigo former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, National and state Legislators, Members of the State Executive council, party leaders and elders from across the state as well as party executives and loyalists.
