RESPONSE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE CHAIRMAN OF PDP, RIVERS STATE CHAPTER TO THE SPOKESPERSON OF ATIKU ABUBAKAR
The attention of the office of the State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State, His Excellency Amb. Desmond Akawor has been drawn to media reports orchestrated by one Phrank Shaibu, spokesperson of the former Vice President of Nigeria, Alh. Atiku Abubakar alleging that the 2023 Presidential election for Rivers State was rigged to favor the incumbent President, Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu in exchange for a ministerial appointment to former Governor Nyesom Wike.
Rivers State PDP must warn mischief makers against subjecting the independence and sovereignty of a political party to the personal ambition of one man.
We find that the elections, though not without hitches, were a reflection of the wishes and desires of the good people of Rivers State. More importantly, we understand that a matter currently pending before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal ought not to be decided by any individual other than the judicial umpires presiding over the matter.
We also wish to use this medium to state that the PDP family in Rivers state remains committed to the Nigerian vision, regardless of the pilot-in-charge of its affairs, hence, the partywelcomes any appointment of its party faithful, including former Governor Nyesom Wike by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We consider that in building a collective national dream in which all persons are represented and included, allegiance to the party, may not always override the attainment of National goals and interests.
Notwithstanding the above, we find it needful to inform the Nigerian public that the said spokesperson of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu cannot declare any election as rigged, not being a competent court of authority.
While we remain unwavering over our resolve to advocate for southern presidency, we urge Mr. Shaibu to take the task of advising his principal to abide by the caveat in the constitution of PDP which provides that zoning should be respected for the purpose of giving a sense of belonging to all members of the party and for all-inclusiveness.
The Rivers State PDP family also wishes to reiterate calls for unity and mutual respect among party members and leaders in other to build a more progressive political party as co-equal stakeholders in this political journey.
Ojukwu Stephen ESQ.
Special Assistant (New Media) to Rivers State PDP Chairman
03 July, 2023
