As campaigns for the 2023 general elections draws closer, governorship candidate of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe has promised to run an all inclusive governance when elected next Rivers governor.
The former Senator representing Rivers South-East District gave the assurance at a meeting with non indigenes in Port Harcourt.
Ibrahim Musa, Spokesman for non indigenes in Rivers said non- indigenes in the state are behind the SDP candidate.
“Entire ethnic nationalities in Rivers are solidly behind you. We have been banking our votes because of what the present government in the state is doing to non-indigenes who form over 75% of the population of the state.
“We have been humiliated, subjected to different manner of difficulties, hardship in the state. Most of us have been in this state for over 40, 50 years, going about our businesses lawfully. With what happened to non-indigenes in Slaughter Market, Trailer Park in Onne, Ikokwu, Mile 1 Market to name a few, you will understand what I mean.
“The unfortunate thing is that even after the building of the Mile 1 Market which was used to woo us in the last elections, the market has been under lock and keys while rightful shops owners are wallowing in hardship, some forced to relocate back to their villages, others died of out heartbreak for lack of place, shops to continue their businesses.
“Now we are working with non-indigenes in other parties, asking me to give you their word, that they are with you and will make loud expression with their votes next year. Next year’s elections will shock people of this state. Those who think they have the votes of this state in their pockets with be shocked to their marrows.
“Because of what we have passed through in this state, people who never had interests in politics before now have woken from their slumber and very committed to getting their permanent voters card (PVC) to put it to work on election day and people will be amazed at the outcome,” he said.
Responding, Abe told the group to be “Rest assured that as soon as you have taken this decision and have implemented it next year, all the challenges will change. Together, we will build a new society based on justice fairness, equal opportunity, progress and prosperity.
“I don’t regard creating markets for people as doing favour to any particular tribe. Having an international market in the state is simply for economic advancement and not favour to South-East people.
“The market will generate revenue for the state and create jobs for people. This is a responsibility government owe to her citizens to give them opportunity to earn money for better life and security.
“There is no perfect situation in life. No matter how good something is, we have an obligation to make it better, hence we must continue to improve. We are going to improve Rivers Sate Government.”
