PDP, Ijaw youths differ on Rivers governorship poll

The Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC) yesterday took opposing stand on the governorship election in the oil-rich state.

For the PDP, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should declare Governor Nyesom Wike as the winner of the governorship poll.

As far as the IYC was concerned, the important thing was the safety of the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, who has claimed victory. The umbrella body of the Ijaw youths condemned alleged threat to Awara’s life.

The IYC, in a statement by its spokesman, Daniel Dasimaka, described the situation as very unfortunate and sad.

Dasimaka said: “Mr. Awara is an Ijaw son and Ijaw all over the world will not sit back and watch any further threat to one of their own who, like every Rivers’ son and daughter, has the right to aspire to the office of the Governor of Rivers State.

“The AAC gubernatorial candidate, Biokpomabo Awara raised the alarm through his campaign organisation that (people) that have arrogated to themselves the power of life and death to remain in government are plotting to assassinate him.

“It is therefore imperative to note that the rights of every eligible citizen under our Constitution to vie for political positions of their choice, like Mr Awara has presented himself, should be respected and not seen as threat to a fair contest.

“Against the backdrop of the foregoing, the IYC is therefore calling on the security agencies to investigate those behind this cowardly act and bring them to justice as we stand against political killings in Rivers state”.

But, Rivers PDP chairman Felix Obuah urged the INEC to declare Wike the winner of the March 9 governorship election.

Obuah spoke at a news conference in Port Harcourt, the state capital yesterday.

Obuah said: “With the available result from the field, I want to assure you that His Excellency (Wike) has won overwhelmingly and INEC should not  waste time in declaring Governor Nyesom Wike the winner and governor-elect of Rivers State.

“We are not worried about what some people are saying; the truth is that, with the results from the field, the incumbent governor should be declared governor-elect.”

His claim came four days after Awara urged the electoral umpire to declare him winner, claiming also that information from his agents from the field during the election showed that he was coasting to victory, having clearly won in 15 of the 23 local government areas in the state.

But Obuah said: “Anyone can go on air and say he has won, but we are speaking based on evidence, the results INEC had already declared at the grassroots.

He said:  “The outcome of the Governorship and State Assembly Elections of March 9, 2019 proved the love the good people of Rivers State have for our beloved party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

”You showed unparalleled love for our party by voting all the way for Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike and all our candidates for the National and State Houses of Assembly elections.

”The results from all polling units and constituencies where the elections were concluded have confirmed and reaffirmed to us that Rivers State is PDP; that PDP is our way of life in Rivers State. You have once again, reposed your total confidence in our party.

”As the chairman of the PDP, I wish to express and convey the gratitude of our party to the people of Rivers State for this wonderful show of love and support for our Governorship Candidate, Governor Nyesom Wike and the State Assembly candidates.”