Brave Dickson
The Social Democratic Party candidate in the just concluded Phalga constituency 2 election, Hon. Sam Ateke has maintained that he withdrew before the election for the interest of development.
Hon Sam said this in reaction to allegation from some critics that he withdrew from the race following some financial inducement to the tune of N20 million.
In an exclusive interview with our correspondent, the former SDP state assembly candidate said, “I withdrew because of the good works I saw my fellow contestant from PDP Hon Smart Adoki doing for our constituency.
“As a politician of good conscience, I felt it will be fair to allow him run for another term to enable him finish is good works. I didn’t withdraw from the race because of financial bribe.
“I didn’t Withdraw either because of pressure as some are speculating. I withdrew on my own volition because I felt 2023 is the right time for me not 2019. Though I tested my popularity and it became obvious that I can win an election.
“SDP was not known in Rivers State. But my popularity gave publicity to SDP especially in my constituency.
I must say that Hon Adoki is a good politician whom I have known for long and he really deserves another term in the state legislature.”
Hon Sam therefore advised his supporters to keep their confidence in his ability to give them a purposeful leadership in 2023, adding that his action to withdraw was purely for the interest of development.
Also, a staunch supporter of Hon Sam who doubles as woman leader in his 2019 campaign organization, Mrs Happiness Ugorji applauded Hon Sam over his decision to withdraw from the contest, noting that indeed Hon Adoki has done well and needed support for another term in office.
“Hon Sam is a politician of good conscience to the best of my knowledge. His act of withdrawal was purely fair. Those accusing him do not understand that Hon Sam is a politician who do not believe in bitterness but always stands for anytime that will engender peace and development for all, “Mrs Ugorji said.
