Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Cole has commended people of the state for coming out in one loud voice in last saturday’s presidential election.
Cole, in a statement yesterday said the election witnessed one of the largest turnouts in the history of the state, adding that he stands with those that were disenfranchised by widespread intimidation by agents of violence led by the state government.
He vowed to ensure that voters are safe and secure from violence not minding where it comes from during the March 11 elections in the state.
His statement reads,
My people, as we countdown to election day in Rivers State, I want to thank you again for coming out to vote in one loud voice. The election witnessed one of the largest turnouts in the history of the state and I must thank every voter who came out.
Once again, I stand in solidarity with the people of Rivers State who came out to vote, but found themselves disenfranchised by widespread intimidation by agents of violence led by elements of our state government. The events of Saturday stand condemned. The voice of the people must be heard without interference.
One of my tasks going into next week’s elections is working hard to ensure that our voters are safe and secure from violence, whether that violence comes from state actors or private. We will face this challenge head on, and I believe that the will of our people will win.
I also find that it is necessary to briefly address the tension and rumours concocted by mischief makers – whatever you do not see on my official social media pages is fake. If you check and it didn’t come from me, ignore it.
As we work to ensure you and your votes are safe on the 11th of March, I implore every Rivers State citizen to remain calm and hopeful. Encourage those around you to exercise their right to vote for me and APC candidates in the Rivers State gubernatorial and assembly elections, and together, let’s rid our state of this tyrannical government.
