The gale of defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Rivers State took a frightening dimension last Thursday as virtually the entire populations of Opobo and Nkoro gathered at the Primary School field, Opobo Town with their symbolic brooms and declared their switch over from PDP to the APC.
Speaking, the Executive Chairman of Opobo/Nkoro Council, Maclean Uranta, said that the decision of the people of the LGA to move en mass to APC was as a result of PDP betrayal and high-handedness.
Uranta declared that the people of the LGA are grateful to the governor of Rivers State for the giant developmental strides he has established all over the LGA.
According to him, “The governor has brought us developments at every sphere of life. Today over 15 of our sons and daughters are in schools abroad studying in many disciplines; the governor has put in place real development that the eye can see across our LGA”.
Other dignitaries who spoke at the occasion include the member, representing the Andoni/Opobo/Nkoro Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Amaopusenibo (Hon) Dakuku Adol Peterside.
He catalogued the indignities, mischief and undemocratic actions of the PDP towards the state chief executive and prominent sons of the area.
“I am convinced that you have gathered here out of your own volition to join the APC in support of your darling governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who has made it possible today for Nkoro people to drive home in tha past 2 years.
“I believe that you are moving with the governor to the APC because you see the schools, hospitals, sand filling, shore protection project at Queens Town and Kalama and other developmental projects across the LGA,” the lawmaker declared.
Others who took turns to speak at the occasion include the former deputy national chairman of the PDP who is now a member of APC, Gbalolo (Dr.) Sam Sam Jaja, the Commissioner in the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Amaopusenibo (Engr) Idatonye Accra Jaja, the Sole Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam, amongst others.
However, the highlight of the occasion was the handing over of the APC flags to each ward through their councilors by the interim State Exco Chairman of the APC, Chief (Dr.) Davies Ibiamu Ikanya (JP).
Ikanya, thanked the people of Opobo/Nkoro for their unanimous decision to join the APC en mass in line with the decision of their leaders and the state governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Tele Ikuru, said “By moving over to the APC, you are demonstrating your belief in your leaders because you trust them. I thank you all and urge you to continue to remain steadfast as we change our vehicle in order to get to our destination”.
