Ahead of the Saturday, March 11th, gubernatorial election in Rivers State, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has thrown its weight behind the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, Pastor Tonye Cole.
The position of the Igbo community was unveiled on Wednesday evening in an interactive session with the APC candidate, Tonye Cole and other leaders of the party. Ohanaeze Ndigbo chairman in Rivers State, Chief Lucky Ekeji led other Igbo Trade Union leaders to adopt Tonye Cole as their preferred governorship candidate.
He asked the leadership of the party to do all they can to protect the votes on Saturday. Noting that on their part, they would massively turn in the votes the guber candidate needs to win the election.
On his part, The Ohanaeze Youth Council President says politics in Nigeria has moved from party sentiment to character, competence and a candidate’s capacity to deliver on the job.
“The Igbos should not be blackmailed with a party, it is not the letters of the alphabet that would govern you but the character of the person wearing the crown. Our choice of Tonye Cole is because of our stand for equity, fairness and justice ” he said.
On his part, Tonye Cole revealed that the blood flowing in him is Igbo and he is one of them. He said his grandparents are the Ikoku they are hearing today. “My grandmother was Igbo, Mrs Margaret Ikoku. Ikoku is my grandfather, the Ikoku market you are hearing about today. So I am one of you”
He said they should not worry, the party has put in modalities to protect their votes. Cole also promised to not threaten their business but help them grow. Noting that as an entrepreneur he understands what they are going through and would only put up policies that are business friendly.
Other APC chieftains in the meeting are Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Ameachi, Senator Andrew Uchendu, High Chief Emeka Beke, and others.
