Following the alleged irregularities that greeted last Saturday’s presidential elections in Rivers State, Magnus Ngei Abe, governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the forthcoming governorship election in the state has told electorates not to be discouraged but to remain resilient for a better Rivers State .
Abe, in a letter he personally signed urged the people to unite to change the story of the state in the remaining elections.
The statement reads:
“I write to personally express my appreciation to each and everyone for coming out in your numbers to cast your votes for candidates of your choice in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
Based on the promises of INEC, we all expected a pleasant, hitch-free exercise in which our votes will count, but for a lot of Rivers voters, the experience did not meet our expectations.
INEC deliberately compromised our elections in Rivers State last Saturday and acted more as a spoiler than an umpire. We must do everything possible to ensure that this does not happen again so that as we vote in the next elections our votes will actually count.
However, your participation made all the difference. Please do not be discouraged. Democracy is difficult, but the benefits when we get it right, are life-changing and long-lasting. We must find strength to keep fighting for what is right and fair for our state.
It is clear that if we come together and participate actively in the Governorship and House of Assembly elections on the 11th of March, 2023, we can actually bring about a new era of honest governance, peace and economic prosperity for the majority of Rivers people.
We can use knowledge and technology to drive our government, rebuild our civil service and power the education of our children.
We can improve our security simply by honestly living up to our oath of office and doing right to all manner of people, according to law, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.
As Governor I will not be a contractor, and I will not allow anyone fritter away our resources, rather, we can work together to expand opportunities to create and grow wealth in our lifetime.
I have no Godfather except God.
I invite you to join me on an exciting journey, that will take us away from violence and waste to an era of peace and prosperity.
Please vote SDP ! Vote the horse!!!
Thank you and God bless
Magnus Abe.
27th February, 2023.
