Kelechi Esogwa-Amadi
It was jubilation galore today at the Aba Road secretariat of the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Hon. Allwell Onyesoh formerly rejoined his former party.
The historic event, which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd of PDP supporters and those of Chief Allwell Onyesoh, drew together many PDP heavyweights, among who were Rivers State Governor and PDP leader, Chief Nyesom wike, PDP chairman, Bro Felix Obuah, former deputy speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Austin Opara, local government chairmen, councillors and many others.
Addressing the crowd, Chief Allwell Onyesoh, a former commissioner of sports and commissioner of education during the administration of Dr Peter Odili, said his joining the PDP was not defection but a homecoming.
He revealed that while in the APC, he was still relating with his friends and colleagues in the PDP, hence it was not difficult for him to return to his former party.
Chief Onyesoh, who thanked Governor Wike and other PDP chieftains for sustaining the party, promised to contribute his quota towards further strengthening of the party.
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He also thanked the PDP supporters and his followers for coming out en masse to witness the epic event.
In his brief speech, chairman of PDP in the state, Bro. Felix Obuah, welcomed Chief Allwell Onyesoh for his bold decision to rejoin his former party, pledging that they would work together to take the PDP higher.
Addressing the crowd of party supporters and guests, Governor Nyesom Wike hailed Chief Allwell Oyesoh’s decision to come back to PDP.
Governor Wike described Chief Onyesoh’s return to the PDP as a good omen for the party even when some people may think that they do not more people.
He said the PDP is the only existing political party in the state because of its commitment to the rapid development of the state.
He said: “There is no other party in Rivers State. PDP is the only party as far as Rivers State is concerned.
“Except people who do not see and those who tell lies in this state, the only party that means well for Rivers State is the PDP.”
Governor Wike said that the performance of the Rivers State PDP is beyond mere propaganda.
“This is the only party that keeps its promises. When we say a thing, we go all out to carry it out on behalf of the people,” he said.
He expressed happiness that Rivers leaders are returning to the PDP to promote the interest of the state.
Governor Wike said that the PDP returnees will enjoy equal opportunities with older members of the party.
He said: “Everybody has equal rights. Luckily congresses will soon start and everyone will participate. The new entrants will fill feel at home. The more the merrier.
“The more the merrier. When we’re more, it’s sweeter. You’re fully welcomed back. Welcome and God bless you.”
Chief, a former two-time commissioner between 1999 and 2006, was a founding member of the APC in Rivers State, hails from Etche LGA where he has remained the political leader.
However, when things went awry in the APC, he pitched tent with the Sen. Magnus Abe faction where he later aspired to represent Ikwerre/Etche in the senate.
Many believe that his decision to defect to the PDP may not be unconnected with his senatorial ambition in 2023.
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