A frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has admonished Rivers people to choose credible leaders that will put the people first before themselves.
Even as he said that, in the interest of justice, fairness and equity, the people of Ogoni ethnic nationality should be allowed to be governor of the State come 2023.
He said he will give the people of the state the opportunity to take control of the government if elected as a successor to Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Abe spoke at Giokoo Community in Gokana Local Government Area of the State, during a visit to the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, King Festus Paago-Bagia, Gberesaakoo XIII, in his palace.
The senator said: “A lot of people have said several things and sometimes, people make the argument that you should be voted for, you should be put in office because of where you come from, oh, it is the turn of your people and all that.
“Let me say, Your Majesty that, if that is the qualification, I want to stand here and say that if we follow the interest of justice, fairness, equity and what is right between people who live together, it is the turn of the Ogoni people.”
The APC governorship hopeful formally informed the traditional ruler of his intention to be the next governor of the state.
Abe said: “Why did I come here today? Very simple. We all know that in the history and the make-up of our country, Nigeria, every four years, we have elections to choose those that will lead us and carry us until the next time we have choice to pick.
“At this time around, there are various offices that the Constitution provides and one of those offices is the Office of the Governor of Rivers State. The person that will superintend over the affairs of our state.
“Your Majesty, people have said they have heard, I don’t want you to hear; I came to tell you by myself, that your son, Magnus Ngei Abe, I seek the office of the Governor of Rivers State.
“But, I am not here because I am from Ogoni, I am here because I am a Rivers son, I am here because I have the experience, I am here because I have served the people of this state in various capacities and offices and I have never been found wanting. I am here because I know what the people need.
“Your Majesty, our constitution provides everything for the comfort and progress of our citizens but it is the citizens who must choose the people that will implement what the constitution has provided.
“I want to offer you the opportunity for you to take control of the government of Rivers State. I want to offer you the opportunity for you to take control of the destiny of your own sons and daughters.
“I want to offer you an opportunity for you to have a government that will serve you before it serves anyone else. I have no godfather to report to; what we have agreed today is between me and Rivers people. I promise you that if you give me the opportunity, I will stand by this contract to the very end.
“Let me say Your Majesty that if that is the qualification, I want to stand here and say that if we follow the interest of justice, fairness, equity and what is right between people who live together, it is the turn of the Ogoni people.”
Senator Abe challenged the people of Rivers State to choose leaders with impeccable character, who would impact their lives positively, irrespective of a political party.
“This time I want to challenge Rivers people to choose leaders that will be truthful. If you chose me, I’ll put you (the people) first.
“Your majesty, with your blessings I will go forward and do things in a way that it has not been done before. I want to promise Rivers people that I will do things differently.”
Natural and paramount rulers of various Gokana Communities were on hand at the event and unanimously endorsed the gubernatorial ambition of distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, an illustrious son of the area.
Responding, the Gberemene of Gokana Kingdom, HRM King Festus Paago-Bagia, gave the ex-lawmaker his blessings.
Bagia speaking through the Chairman, Gokana Stakeholders Forum, Mene Dougdale Baadom said, “He (Abe) came to the palace to ask for blessings, and the Gberemene of Gokana has given him the blessing.”
